Ben Sheets proves a healthy addition in Atlanta Braves’ rotation - MLB Update
The move that followed the flurry of injuries to the Atlanta Braves’ starting pitchers has worked for the team. The Minor League contract that Atlanta signed with Ben Sheets was accompanied by fear in the team that their rotation was weakening. Therefore,
the team officials planned that after getting Sheets to throw in the Minor League games, he will be called up in the Majors.
Initially, it was expected that Sheets will not be able to perform the way the management fancied.
The fact the starting pitcher Brandon Beachy was out had made it difficult for the fans to believe that there can be any one in the team who can offset the damage of his absence. In terms of ERA, Beachy was the most dominant pitcher in the season back then.
However, impressive outings on the mound by Sheets have for a while encouraged the management that the decision that they took earlier was correct. If not becoming as good as Beachy was, certainly he has given positive signals for throwing quality innings
ahead in the season.
Meanwhile, Sheets is enjoying his time with the Braves. Playing with the team is an amazing experience for him.
“I’m just riding it, dude, riding the wave,” Sheets said. “I’m on a very good team and the (other) guys do the heavy pulling. I’m just trying to put in a little two cents myself, try to help us out.”
Furthermore, Sheets is upbeat to continue performing the way he has fared in the last few games.
Braves’ manager Fredi Gonzalez hails the decision that was taken by the General Manager Frank Wren about signing the contract with Sheets. He terms the move an innovative solution by the GM to the problem that they confronted in the season.
“It was all upside,” Gonzalez said. “And good for (general manager) Frank (Wren) to think outside the box a little bit and go get him. Right now, he’s about as good as you want. Good for us.”
However, still there are many games remaining in the season and therefore, Sheets will have to sustain his success over a longer period of time.
It will be interesting to know whether Sheets turns out to be a consistent performer or gets roughed up later in the season.
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