Ben Sheets closed out his career with a perfect first inning Wednesday against the Pirates.

Sheets, who announced his retirement Tuesday, left after striking out two of the three batters he faced, including Andrew McCutchen to end the first. A four-time All-Star, Sheets finishes his career 94-96 with a 3.78 ERA and 1,325 strikeouts in 1596 2/3 innings. He had his best season in 2004, when he finished with a 2.70 ERA and a 264/32 K/BB ratio in 237 innings.

Ben Sheets will retire after the 2012 season.

Sheets is scheduled to make his final major league start on Wednesday against the Pirates. The veteran right-hander has posted a respectable 3.54 ERA and 1.34 WHIP through 48 1/3 innings this season for Atlanta but began experiencing more arm troubles late last month.

Ben Sheets will start Wednesday against the Pirates.

Sheets hasn't pitched since August 24 because of complications with his throwing shoulder. The 34-year-old righty probably won't go more than a couple innings.

Braves activated RHP Ben Sheets from the 15-day disabled list.

Sheets, out since August 25 with right shoulder inflammation, is not expected to rejoin the starting rotation. The Braves will use Sheets as insurance behind Paul Maholm as their longman/sixth starter.

Ben Sheets (shoulder) will throw three simulated innings Monday.

The next step will be determined after the sim game. Sheets, who has been out since August 25, said his shoulder felt "great" when he threw a side session Friday. He is not expected to rejoin the rotation when healthy unless something happens to one of the current five starters.

Ben Sheets (shoulder) played catch from 90 feet Tuesday with no issues.

Out since August 25 with right shoulder inflammation, Sheets is not expected to be ready to begin preparing for a start for at least 10 days. He's not guaranteed to regain a rotation spot this season even if he gets healthy.

Braves placed RHP Ben Sheets on the 15-day disabled list with right shoulder inflammation.

The injury was previously unreported, but helps to explain his recent "dead arm" phase and three game losing streak. The Braves have yet to announce a corresponding move, but Sheets won't be guaranteed a rotation spot when he returns.

Ben Sheets took his third straight loss after allowing four runs and nine hits in 4 1/3 innings Friday against the Giants.

Sheets hit the wall 11 days ago and can't seem to find a way past it. The Braves can't afford to stick with him if this is all he's got. He still has a nifty enough 3.54 ERA since joining the team, but the decline in his stuff has been obvious.

Ben Sheets was shelled for six earned runs in six innings Saturday as the Braves fell to the Dodgers.

At one point, Sheets allowed three consecutive home runs. He reported feeling general body weakness after getting pounded for five runs in six innings last time out against the Mets and may have been dealing with a similar thing on Saturday night. If the Braves keep him active, he will take on the Giants next.

Ben Sheets said his "whole body felt dead" during Sunday's start against the Mets, when he gave up five runs -- four earned -- in six innings.

"My whole body felt dead," Sheets said. "I was like `Weekend at Bernie's' guy. I was like Bernie." Sheets thinks it's just normal soreness, and it's not surprising he's feeling it given that he's now made six starts after injuries kept him out of baseball the last two years. The Braves are going with a six-man rotation over the next couple weeks, which should help him.

Ben Sheets gave up five runs -- four earned -- in six innings in a loss to the Braves on Sunday.

Sheets struck out five and walked just one, but he allowed eight hits, including a Jordany Valdespin homer. It was just the second homer he's allowed in six starts since joining the Braves. This was Sheets' worst outing to date, but mixed leaguers will want to keep him active for now. The Dodgers are next up.

Ben Sheets allowed one run on seven hits over 7 1/3 innings in Monday's 6-1 win over the Phillies.

His only mistake came on a solo home run to John Mayberry in the fourth inning. Of his 92 pitches, 63 were for strikes. Sheets is now 4-1 and has a 23/7 K/BB ratio. His next start will come Sunday against the Mets.

Ben Sheets took the loss in Wednesday's setback against the Marlins, allowing four runs (three earned) on 11 hits and one walk in 6 2/3 innings.

Sheets struck out eight, and thanks to the unearned tally, made it 4-for-4 on quality starts in a Braves uniform. Through the first 24 2/3 innings of his comeback tour, he's now the owner of a 1.46 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 23/6 K/BB ratio. Obviously, he needs to be owned in all formats for the time being. He'll get the Phillies in Philadelphia on Monday.

Ben Sheets turned in a third straight impressive performance, limiting the Phillies to one run on six hits over six strong innings in Friday's victory.

Sheets fanned four while walking just one in the game. The only blemish on his night was an RBI double by Shane Victorino in the first inning. Sheets is slowly turning into one of the better stories of the 2012 baseball season, coming out of nowhere over the All-Star break to go 3-0 with a 0.50 ERA and 15/5 K/BB ratio over his first three starts. He'll look to keep his dream season on track when he takes on the Marlins at home on Wednesday.

Ben Sheets tossed six shutout innings in a 4-0 win over the Nationals in the first game of a doubleheader on Saturday.

Sheets allowed five hits and three walks while striking out six. After missing all of last season recovering from major elbow surgery, the 34-year-old right-hander has now logged 12 scoreless innings through his first two starts this year. Who knows how long he'll hold up physically, but he's well worth a flier in all fantasy formats.

Braves purchased the contract of RHP Ben Sheets from Triple-A Gwinnett.

On Sunday, he'll make his first major league start since 2010. The oft-injured veteran was solid during a two-start stint in the minors and is reportedly throwing in the 89-93 mph range. He'll surely be rusty but could provide the Braves with some decent innings when healthy.

CBSSports.com confirms Ben Sheets will make his regular-season debut Sunday against the Mets.

The Braves are desperate for starting pitching with Randall Delgado and Mike Minor struggling. Sheets hasn't appeared in the majors since 2010, but was reportedly clocked in the 89-93 mph range in two minor league starts. A corresponding move will be announced later this week.

Ben Sheets allowed three runs -- two earned -- over 5 2/3 innings in his second start for Double-A Mississippi Monday.

Sheets gave up seven hits, walked no one and struck out four, needing 89 pitches to cover the 5 2/3 frames. That's two decent, but far from great, appearances for the veteran right-hander. The Braves will leave it up to him to decide whether he'll now join the major league rotation on July 15 or make another start in the minors. We're guessing he picks the former.

Ben Sheets could make his Braves' debut on July 15 against the Mets.

Sheets will make his second start for Double-A Mississippi Monday, and the Braves will leave it up to him whether he feels ready to join the big league rotation after that. If Sheets decides he needs another minor league outing, then the Braves will start either Mike Minor or Randall Delgado after Tim Hudson and Tommy Hanson.

Ben Sheets allowed four runs on five hits and a walk while striking out six over five innings in his first start with Double-A Mississippi Wednesday.

Sheets' fastball was reportedly sitting in the 89-93 range, and he flashed a good curveball. The Braves are leaving open the possibility of him joining the rotation shortly after the All-Star break, so he might need just one more minor league start.