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Atlanta Braves: The Curious Case of Kris Medlen

By W. M. Lawson

Oct 3, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Kris Medlen (54) throws against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning of game one of the National League divisional series playoff baseball game at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Kris Medlen (54) throws against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning of game one of the National League divisional series playoff baseball game at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Atlanta Braves went out during this past off-season and tried to secure a shaky starting rotation by hiring three veteran pitchers. Enter Kris Medlen.

The story so far for the 2017 Atlanta Braves is one that was fairly predictable. An incredibly shaky starting rotation, a questionable back-end bullpen, young starters at key positions, and a significant injury have all led to a losing record. But they are fun to watch. And they are more competitive.

Knowing that there is very talented young pitching in the farm system that isn’t quite ready yet, the Atlanta Braves went out and signed Colon, Dickey, and Garcia to short deals. Stop gap measures, if you will.

To say that it hasn’t worked out would be a mild understatement. Colon has been awful. Dickey has been as unpredictable as his knuckle-ball. Garcia, while showing life, had a rough early start.

To wit, the excitement over the stellar performances of young Sean Newcomb and Matt Wisler this weekend was a welcome sign for Braves Nation. Richly deserved and earned.

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But something else is going on over in AAA Gwinnett that is both baffling and bemusing. Another veteran starting pitcher is trying to make it to SunTrust Park, and seemingly out of nowhere.

Of course, Braves fans remember Kris Medlen. Our beloved Braves drafted him in the 2006 MLB Draft, and he wound up going from promising Relief Pitcher to promising Starting Pitcher. Were it not for  multiple “Tommy John” surgeries, he would’ve been a fixture in the rotation.

But that’s why Medlen’s re-emergence is so curious. I can’t think of many, if any, pitchers who have made it back from multiple TJ surgeries. Especially, after this much time has passed.

The other thing is that Medlen’s 1st tenure with Atlanta represents the beginning of the downturn. Meaning, from the time he and Brandon Beachy were both lost to injury in the same month, Atlanta’s starting rotation has never been the same.

If Medlen actually does make it all the way back to Atlanta, and can contribute, there is a catharsis at work other than just helping a team out in desperate need of quality starts. His injury began the downturn of pitching in Atlanta, so maybe his return would herald a return of quality starting pitching.

Kris Medlen sports a career ERA of 3.25 in 173 games. In five rehab starts, Medlen has a 3.29 ERA with 20 K and 10 BB in 21.7 innings. In his last start for AAA Gwinnett, his line was 5.2 IP, 3 ER, 5 H, 3 BB, 6 K.

Now, that ain’t in “The Show”, but it isn’t far off from his career average.

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If Kris Medlen can truly make a comeback, it will be the feel good story of the year. It would also bolster a starting pitching staff in dire need of quality innings and veteran leadership.

The Atlanta Braves swung and missed trying to find that this past off-season. Maybe it shows up in the form of an almost forgotten hero from Braves past.

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