PEARL, Miss. (AP) — Ben Sheets gave up three runs in 5 2-3 innings during his second start with the Double-A Mississippi Braves.
The four-time All-Star threw 89 pitches, including 58 strikes Monday night in the Southern League game against Birmingham. Only two of the runs were earned.
The 33-year-old right-hander allowed seven hits — all singles — while striking out four. His fastball was consistently around 90-91 miles per hour.
Sheets gave up four runs in five innings in his first Double-A start on Wednesday. Atlanta is searching for pitching depth after Brandon Beachy was lost to an elbow injury last month. Beachy was 5-5 over 13 starts with a 2.00 ERA, tied for lowest in the majors.
Sheets last pitched in the majors with the Oakland Athletics in 2010.
