Ben Sheets throws for Double-A Mississippi and gives up four runs in five innings-MLB Update
Veteran Ben Sheets assumes the mound for the first time after 2010. He pitched five innings and conceded four runs. At the start, he struggled a bit before rebounding quickly.
He is expected to join Atlanta Braves in the season to help their struggling rotation. As soon as he can show signs of improvements in Minor League outings, he will be right there.
Following a Minor League contract with the Braves earlier, he was scheduled to throw for Double-A Mississippi. As he started on Wednesday and gave his arms some exercise, it is going to pave his way for an entry in the season.
Main purpose of his Minor League expeditions is to let the veteran find some rhythm. For a starter to throw after such a long time, it is always difficult to come back to the season and throw perfectly right away.
Braves had to sign a contract with him because of an injury to pitcher Brandon Beachy and the rough-up their starter Tim Hudson was experiencing. Beachy was performing tremendously well before his injury.
He was maintaining one of the lowest ERA in the Major League. Thus, the Braves had to count on him, if their expedition had to result into something like winning Wild-card spot or top position on the National League East Division table.
Similarly, Hudson is one of the most experienced starters in the rotation. Poor performances by him mean that Atlanta will be suffering immensely. It is an undesirable reality that regardless of how their offence fares, winning games will be extremely difficult.
Therefore, Atlanta had to call up Ben Sheets. The kind of experience he possesses is exactly what they need the most at the moment.
In the meantime, Ben will be looking to improve further after Wednesday’s outing. Giving up four runs in five innings is not a kind of numbers that can impress the management. Therefore, upcoming games will present a challenge for him. Getting through them
and making it to the season will be a target for Ben.
Sheets has seen through highs and lows in career. Handling situations successfully will not be a problem for him. In this context, one can believe that he will put aside Wednesday’s relatively poor outing and focus on challenges he faces ahead.
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