Atlanta Braves pitcher Kris Medlen has ligament issue, seeking second opinion
By Brad Rowland
Oct 3, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Kris Medlen (54) reacts reacts in the dugout after he was taken out of the game in the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game one of the National League divisional series playoff baseball game at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
It is often said that “no news is good news”, but in the case of Atlanta Braves right-hander Kris Medlen, I’m not sure that is the case.
#Braves Medlen MRI showed "some involvement of the ligament" and he'll get second opinion and further evaluation
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) March 11, 2014
Braves GM Frank Wren announced on Tuesday morning that Medlen will require additional evaluation to his injured right (throwing) arm, and that the team (and player) will be seeking a second opinion. Frankly, this is very weird given the length of time that the Braves needed in order to evaluate his first MRI (a full 24 hours by all accounts), and it provides little in the way of information.
In addition to the “second opinion” announcement, the team is reportedly tapping Dr. James Andrews specifically for his guidance.
Dr. Andrews is expected to examine #Braves Medlen's MRI. He did the Medlen TJ surgery, and MRI often difficult to read after previous TJ
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) March 11, 2014
Andrews is the most famous surgeon in the country, and with his previous experience with Medlen, it’s a slam dunk choice. Still, no sports fan ever wants to hear “Dr. James Andrews” mentioned anywhere near their favorite players, and that’s worrisome, especially given the team’s assertion that there was actual damage to the ligament.
Stay tuned for more information (and a “real” announcement) as it comes.