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 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.