Ben Sheets last pitched in the major leagues in 2010.
But now, according to David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, he could be back in the major leagues soon, perhaps after as few as two minor-league starts:
Sheets is scheduled to make at least two starts in Double-A Mississippi, largely because it’s only 90 minutes from his home in Louisiana. He’ll go five innings or 75 pitches on Wednesday, then six innings or 90 pitches in a start after that. If all goes well, the Braves think he could be ready shortly after the All-Star break.
For someone with Sheets’ injury history, it seems ludicrous to think he could be back in such a short time. But he threw 90-plus for the Braves before he signed, and then there’s this:
Braves bullpen coach Eddie Perez caught his bullpen session on Sunday at Turner Field, just like he caught Sheets back in 2003 with the Brewers. Sheets’ old personal catcher thinks he’s back.
“It reminds me of when I caught him in Milwaukee because of the stuff he threw today,” Perez said. “It’s pretty much the same. He’s been working out. He looks really good. He’s pain-free too, which to me is the most important thing.”
Hey, it might work. Sheets is only 33. The Braves could use some starting pitching. If they make the playoffs with Sheets helping out, it’ll be the move of the year.