MARYVALE, Ariz. -- Ben Sheets has risen to the No. 1 starter status in the Milwaukee Brewers' pitching rotation in part through performance and in part through attrition.

Manager Davey Lopes is expected to announce soon that Sheets will be the Opening Day starter on April 2 in Houston. That's in part because Sheets, who will face the Chicago Cubs and Kerry Wood today in Mesa, had not given up a run in 11 innings thus far this spring.

But, it's also in part because righthander Jamey Wright has a strained oblique muscle in his left side that has put his work back considerably. Wright is expected to throw on the side and be evaluated again on Monday.

Lefthander Glendon Rusch also could be a candidate for the Opening Day honor, but Rusch is new to the club and Lopes doesn't want to put extra pressure on the former New York Met.

The remainder of the rotation remains a question mark since Nick Neugebauer and Ruben Quevedo are battling back from physical problems. Neugebauer got a cortisone shot early in camp when the same shoulder that ailed him at the end of last season acted up. He then got a virus that slowed his progress.

Neugebauer was scheduled to throw Monday and if things go well could make his first spring training start Wednesday against the Chicago White Sox.

Quevedo was scheduled to be evaluated for chronic fatigue and a drop in velocity on his pitches. There was some concern he could have mononucleosis.

So, Sheets has risen to No. 1. "I want the ball to pitch anytime," he said Sunday. "Getting it on Opening Day just means you get to pitch that much earlier.

"After the season starts, it doesn't matter what slot you are in, as long as you pitch every five days. That's my goal. Meanwhile, I hope the guys get healthy and the rotation is in good shape by the time the season starts."

Sheets got off to an outstanding start last season and earned All Star selection with a 10-4 record. But, he developed a tired shoulder by mid-season, had to miss several weeks and struggled to a final 11-10 record, with a 4.76 ERA.

Over the winter, Sheets worked out with a physical therapist and personal trainer. "It was great because you had appointments, so you couldn't just say ‘I'll do that tomorrow'," Sheets said.

"I did it to build stamina. I didn't even get into the meat part of the season last year before I wore down. This year, I want to make it through the full season and pitch well all year."

Sheets said new pitching coach Dave Stewart has instilled a very positive attitude in the staff. "You have to respect what he did as a pitcher," Sheets said. "He gives you confidence that you can do the job."

Stewart says Sheets has been a quick study. "He's done everything we have asked of him so far," Stewart said. "He's had very good stuff down here and seems very determined."

If Sheets does get the Opening Day nod, it will be just the latest in a series of big time appearances for the righthander.

Of course, everybody remembers the championship game of the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, and the great game Sheets pitched to win it. Then, he became the Brewers' lone All Star in his first season.

Even in spring training, he seems to draw Wood every time he pitches against the Cubs. You can feel the buzz in the crowd when the two match up, even though it is only spring training.

"I like pitching against him," Sheets said. "He's one of the top righthanders in the business. I have a way to go and a lot of things to do before I reach his status.

"But, I like pitching against good competition and in big games. You dream about those type of things when you're a kid. Now, there's an opportunity to do it."