Ben Sheets is back, striking out five in six scoreless innings against the New York Mets while making his first big-league start in nearly two years. He left the game in line for the win, allowing just two hits and a walk in 88 pitches. The Atlanta Braves purchased his contract before Sunday's game from Triple-A Gwinnett.

Sheets last appeared in the majors in 2010, starting 20 games for the Oakland A's before suffering a torn flexor tendon in his right elbow for the second time in two years. After sitting out the entire 2011 season, he signed a minor-league contract with the Braves on July 1 to begin his comeback.

The veteran, who turns 34 years old on Wednesday, made two starts for Double-A Mississippi, where he showed some signs of rust by giving up six earned runs in 10.2 innings. He also missed a lot of bats, though, striking out 10 with just one walk, which was enough to convince the Braves he was ready for Sunday's promotion. Clearly, he was ready.