Ben Sheets, placed on the disabled list on May 10, will make his first start since May 2 on Tuesday night. The move was made official after Monday's victory.
It's no secret that the Brewers struggled to fill the holes in the rotation while Sheets and Tomo Ohka were on the disabled list. But now with the two starters back, the team can focus on getting back into the thick of the playoff chase.
"In order to get on any roll you need pitching every day," Sheets said. "Starting pitching dictates that."
Rickie Weeks said the team hasn't talked about a possible emotional lift that Sheets' return will bring, but he was quick to point out the positives of having a full rotation back for the first time since early May.
"Tomo came back and he's done great in his two starts," Weeks said. "Now we've got Ben coming back and we should be set for a pretty good run."
The Pirates will counter with right-hander Ian Snell. On May 31 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Snell won a 6-1 game against Chris Capuano. Snell allowed one run in six innings in the victory.
Pitching matchup
MIL: RHP Ben Sheets (1-3, 6.64 ERA)
In Sheets' last start, he lasted 2 1/3 innings and gave up seven runs on nine hits.
PIT: RHP Ian Snell (8-6, 4.84 ERA)
Snell has won five straight decisions against National League opponents.
Player to Watch
Jeff Cirillo is 1-for-3 with a home run against Snell.