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Sheets returns to help Brewers playoff push

Sep 27, 2008 - 10:10 AM Chi Cubs (96-63) at Milwaukee (89-71) 3:55 pm. EDT

MILWAUKEE (Ticker) -- Ben Sheets' return could not come at a better time for the streaking Milwaukee Brewers, who aim to secure their first postseason berth in 26 years on Saturday against the Chicago Cubs.

Milwaukee, which has not participated in October baseball since 1982, controls its own destiny after Rickie Weeks belted a three-run homer in a 5-1 victory on Friday and the New York Mets lost to Florida.

The Brewers appeared to be choking away a shot at the postseason, as they lost 15 of their first 19 games in September and squandered a 5 1/2-game lead in the wild-card race. However, Milwaukee (89-71) has won five straight to regain the wild-card lead.

The Brewers can clinch with a win and a loss by the Mets.

"It's a good feeling when you have destiny in your hands," Brewers interim manager Dale Sveum said. "We don't have to chase anybody, we're not tied, we're not anything. It's in our hands now."

For the first time since September 17, the ball will be in Sheets' hands. The righthander left that game against the Chicago Cubs after two innings due to elbow soreness. An impending free agent, Sheets (13-8, 2.98 ERA) threw 20 pitches in a bullpen session on Thursday and said he is ready to go.

"We're going to give it a try," said Sheets, who is 10-8 with a 3.98 ERA in 26 career starts against the Cubs.

"He looked me in the eye and said he feels as good as he has in a month," Sveum said. "We'll ride it out and see how he does."

Sheets will be opposed by Ted Lilly (16-9, 4.17), who is 3-0 with a 2.05 ERA in his last three outings.