Despite Rumors, Pitcher Sheets Expects To Make MLB Return

November 13, 2009 9:05 p.m. EST

Milwaukee, WI (AHN) - Where is Ben Sheets? According to Milwaukee general manager Doug Melvin, no one has heard from the former Brewer pitcher.

Many observers believed that the right-hand pitcher was not going to make a 2010 comeback after flexor tendon surgery last winter.

Sheets agent Casey Close said that his client is returning.

"We have already heard from a number of teams inquiring about Ben's health and availability for 2010," Close told ESPN.com Friday. "I will tell you that he has a very good chance to be one of the most impactful free agents, without question."

Sheets had a pending contract with the Texas Rangers before spring training, but an MRI confirmed that he needed surgery on his right elbow in February.

It would be a 10-month recovering period.

Sheets pitched three 200-inning seasons, with an 86-83 overall record before becoming saddled with arm injuries, including an inner ear infection that sidelined him for most of the 2005 and 2007 seasons.

During his last year with the Brewers, Sheets worked over 198 innings, allowed 181 hits and struck out 158 batters 3.09. In 2004, Sheets posted a 12-14 record with a 2.70 ERA.

The New York Yankees, New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers are some of the organizations reportedly interested in Sheets.