Atlanta Braves: Former Braves Kris Medlen Retires
By Kit Anderson
Former Atlanta Braves starter Kris Medlen has announced he will retire from baseball. The move isn’t surprising considering his struggles in recent years and his inability to stay healthy.
Kris Medlen spent his best seasons with the Atlanta Braves. He spent a short time as their resident ace with his “bugs bunny changeup”. Watching Medlen pitch was fun and it is sad to see his career come to an end.
It is a career shortened and plagued by injuries. Two Tommy John surgeries for Medlen seemed to derail his career. He was never the same afterward and unable to recapture form.
He spent this season with the Diamondbacks and was unlikely to spend much time in the Big Leagues even with their injury-riddled roster.
Medlen’s best run came in 2012 when the Braves went 10-1 in his starts and he posted an ERA under two. He was their go-to pitcher and looked to be on his way to becoming an ace.
Injuries hit Medlen and he has never been the same pitcher since. Retiring may be the best move for Medlen considering his struggles.
It would not be surprising to see him attempt a comeback as he has time to rest and get fully healthy in the next couple of years. Coming back as a relief pitcher might be an option if Medlen decides to give it another go.
If not, it was a career highlighted by his time with the Braves and a changeup that was fun to watch disappear.
Medlen won a single championship when he was on the Royals roster during their improbable World Series run.
He will be remembered in Braves country fondly as one of the more surprising pitchers to emerge in recent Braves history.
The Braves will start a four-game set with the Mets today hoping to remain atop a crowded National League East.