Medlen headed for MRI Thursday on elbow – updated
Braves right-hander Kris Medlen left Wednesday’s game against the Mets with a strained ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow and could be facing season-ending surgery.
The 24-year-old starter is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Thursday and is headed for the disabled list.
Just the designation “ulnar collateral ligament” is a scary proposition for Medlen and the Braves because that’s the elbow ligament for which pitchers require “Tommy John” ligament transplant surgery and typically need 12-18 months to recover. Medlen said he felt a burning sensation on one pitch to Jose Reyes.
“No pop or anything, it just started burning, really tight,” Medlen said. “I don’t know. I’ve never felt it before, so it was reason for some kind of concern.”
If Medlen needs surgery, the Braves would lose him for the rest of the season and likely at least half of next.
The Braves have Kenshin Kawakami in the bullpen whom they could put back in the rotation. But he has pitched just once in the past six weeks – in relief against the Brewers on July 16 – since losing his starting job to Medlen. And Kawakami is 1-9 with a 4.48 ERA in 15 starts this season.
“I don’t know,” Cox said when asked if he’d turn to Kawakami. “He hasn’t pitched in so long.”
The Braves appear poised to turn to minor league prospect Mike Minor. The left-hander and last year’s first-round draft pick out of Vanderbilt, is 4-1 with a 1.99 ERA in five starts for Triple-A Gwinnett.
Medlen left with one out in the fifth inning, after giving up a single to Luis Castillo and a sacrifice bunt to pitcher Mike Pelfrey. He had just thrown a 1-2 change-up to Reyes, when he immediately favored his right arm. He hesitated before taking the rubber again, which drew Braves manager Bobby Cox and assistant trainer Jim Lovell out to the mound.
“When I try to mess with it and test it a little bit, there’s definitely a little bit of pain,” Medlen said afterward. “Just disappointed.”
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170 comments Add your comment
eskippy
August 4th, 2010
9:15 pm
1
Ryan
August 4th, 2010
9:20 pm
Updates? Anyone
PR_Bravo
August 4th, 2010
9:21 pm
So, is KK back in the rotation or are we going to see Minor?
greenvegas
August 4th, 2010
9:25 pm
I was worried about his arm when we made him pitch in relief several times in between starts. Just seemed dangerous to me
Kris Medlen Leaves Game With Apparent Arm Injury *Updated* | Tomahawk Take | An Atlanta Braves Blog
August 4th, 2010
9:26 pm
[...] Dave O’Brien weighs in on the injury from Turner Field. [...]
Chpatt
August 4th, 2010
9:28 pm
MIKE MINOR! MIKE MINOR! PLEASE!
Brave in NJ
August 4th, 2010
9:29 pm
Tommy John surgery is probable and we won’t see him for 18 months. Dump KK and bring someone up or go get Zambrano.
hucker
August 4th, 2010
9:33 pm
Please — no KK.
wxwax
August 4th, 2010
9:34 pm
Dang. I feel bad for the young man.
Good luck, son.
siskel_god
August 4th, 2010
9:35 pm
Crappy time to lose Resop. I guess we’ll be seeing Minor soon, how many innings has he thrown this year?
Captain Lou Albano
August 4th, 2010
9:36 pm
Dood is there a way we could give this injury to Kawakami instead of Medlen? I mean he really needs a valid excuse to why he sucks.
Matt the Brave
August 4th, 2010
9:36 pm
I sincerely doubt that they’ll turn to KK for the long term. He might get one start, but he’ll more than likely be put back in the pen and they’ll bring up Minor or Redman.
FJ10
August 4th, 2010
9:36 pm
It’s gonna be KK. If he can’t compete they’ll call up Minor.
siskel_god
August 4th, 2010
9:37 pm
@ Brave in NJ
More like 12 months and no way do we touch Big Z. Overpayed psycho.
Scedder
August 4th, 2010
9:38 pm
Kawakami is not an option. It will either have to be someone from Gwinnett or look for a possible waiver. Kawakami hasn’t pitched in weeks and we he has in relief he looked absolutely terrible. Pretty sure Wren and Co. are already looking at a solution.
DaveinNEPA
August 4th, 2010
9:39 pm
Boy, the hits just keep on comin, don’t they!
I really like the way this kid handles himself. I hope he doesn’t need surgery but it doesn’t sound promising.
And please Frank Wren, no more Kawakami, bring up Minor.
Azariah
August 4th, 2010
9:40 pm
nostrikezone.tk
Bravesfansince66
August 4th, 2010
9:41 pm
What a shame…
I hope we see Minor as Redman has not been that great at the MLB level!
the cox man
August 4th, 2010
9:41 pm
KK jinks the kid so he can get back in. good mojo
Football Fan
August 4th, 2010
9:41 pm
KK is under contract for a huge amount. Unfortunately he will start.
Bravesfansince66
August 4th, 2010
9:42 pm
Bobby has lost the rest of his mind…Troy PH again! Ready for a weak gronder @ an infielder or a check swing SO.
Chip Caray's Eyebrows
August 4th, 2010
9:43 pm
Kawakami is not stretched out enough. Why tax your bullpen? Someone will have to be called up from tripple A if Medlen goes on DL. They can call up a guy like Minor and he’s already stretched out, not to mention pitching very well. Hopefully only thing that comes into play is if scouts think he is ready, not arbitration clock, Kawakami’s salary/ego etc. because at this point the best starter should be starting.
Bravesfansince66
August 4th, 2010
9:43 pm
Well at least he didn’t swing at ball 4!
jrbirdman
August 4th, 2010
9:44 pm
Looks like KK might not be ‘unhappy’ in the bullpen in five days. Bet Bobby is wishing the Pirates hadn’t picked up Resop earlier today.
Scedder
August 4th, 2010
9:47 pm
Resop isn’t that big of a deal seeing O’Flaherty will be back after a couple of minor league outings.
Blk. Peter Gammonds
August 4th, 2010
9:51 pm
This is why Kawakami should have been pitching more. He has not pitched bad. He just has not had any run support(like the rest of the staff). Now you might(and should) need him and he probably isn’t fresh(stamina wise) to be affective. Mismanagement!! Actually, he looked pretty good his last start years ago. : ) Get the bats that are hot even if you have to go to AAA to get it done. They shipped away the only true bunter on the team to the Royals, so if you run into a pitcher that is lights out you have no choice but to swing the bat. And oh yeah, asking your sluggers to bunt ain’t gonna work.
mike hampton
August 4th, 2010
9:52 pm
tell him to suck it up and pitch through the injury
jrbirdman
August 4th, 2010
9:53 pm
Any chance Venters can be a fifth starter?
mike hampton
August 4th, 2010
9:54 pm
@ blk peter gammonds
KK pitching more??? If he pitched more that would mean medlen wouldn’t have been…..and medlen has been lights out
The Real Gwinnett Braves Bible.com
August 4th, 2010
9:55 pm
Here are Minor’s number at Gwinnett:
4-1 / 1.99 ERA / 31.2 IP / 10 BB / 35 K
The kid is the second rated pitching prospect in the Braves system behind Julio Teheran.
And Minor’s nickname is ” Spike”
hucker
August 4th, 2010
9:55 pm
Sorry to see Medlen go down — hope it’s not as serious as it sounds. Would they bring up Mike Minor. Just don’t see KK.
Dr. Dave
August 4th, 2010
9:58 pm
KK has been a complete disaster for 2 seasons. His fatsball is straight as an arrow and predictable. We should bring minor up.
Robby
August 4th, 2010
10:04 pm
I vote for Minor!
taylor s
August 4th, 2010
10:05 pm
Minor has already thrown 118 innings this year. Any one know if they are trying to keep him around 150?
Churchy
August 4th, 2010
10:06 pm
Isn’t Venters being groomed to be the next Closer.
DL Medlen. Let KK make 3 starts and re-evaluate after that.
DL Glaus to give him a rest. Let Freeman start at 1B while Glaus is out.
Call up Glaus after 15 days. Send Freeman back down if doesn’t excell. Let Freeman continue to start if he does well. Freeman may be the spark the Braves need.
jrbirdman
August 4th, 2010
10:08 pm
Second Churchy!
Jim
August 4th, 2010
10:09 pm
Season’s Over!!
Coach (2011 or Bust)
August 4th, 2010
10:10 pm
Yep, Kawakami just got his job back. The only good news to all this that not many teams can just plug in another pitcher like the Braves are about to do.
Blk. Peter Gammonds
August 4th, 2010
10:11 pm
Churchy go and apply for the skipper position NOW!
adam
August 4th, 2010
10:13 pm
It’s all about money. KK will start.
doubled
August 4th, 2010
10:15 pm
KK is ok.Just had some bad luck with run support.If Medlen is out for any time.Be thankful.
Captain Lou Albano
August 4th, 2010
10:22 pm
Defenders of KK, please realize that the guy won one game this year. And I watched that game and the umpires definitely found another way to screw the Detroit Tigers. The guy can pitch, but can not win a game to save his life. Bravos should take a chance on someone from the minors.
Bob Horner had a big fro
August 4th, 2010
10:22 pm
Uh oh. Please, no KK. Please, please, please. I vote for Minor. Let’s hope Medlen is just a strain. How much did getting hit by the Cincy pitcher affect this injury?
cheese
August 4th, 2010
10:26 pm
seems like christhian martinez might get the call up. Kawakami can’t be ready now, Minor isn’t on the 40 man roster and is probably limited on innings. Martinez doesn’t have bad numbers with a 1.05 WHIP, only walked 8 in 49 innings.
rugburn
August 4th, 2010
10:28 pm
i don’t mind kk. he usually gave us 5-6 good innings. the problem is bobby cox… he always let kk pitch too long, always waited until multiple runners got on and then put in chavez to let the runs score. i’d like to see how many of his runs allowed scored after he was out of the game bc never put his “A” relievers in to protect kk’s leads
dawginDC
August 4th, 2010
10:30 pm
He’s done for the year…..Time to bring up Minor or KK back into the rotation….
ScottBravesfan
August 4th, 2010
10:31 pm
lol at the guy saying season over because our 5th starter went down.
They will call up Mike Minor to make start if Medlen goes on DL. KK is done in the rotation.
bob
August 4th, 2010
10:31 pm
I read about Kawakami’s frustration just this afternoon. Medlin shouldn’t have turned his back on him. Remember Pearl Harbor!
Stuart
August 4th, 2010
10:32 pm
KK hasn’t been that bad; he just hasn’t had any run support. Now KK can get back in the rotation… just hope his first start back isn’t too rough (as he has been sitting for what seems like forever).
braveguy
August 4th, 2010
10:34 pm
The phillies are coming fast, we don’t have time to test and see how guys do. Go with minor, kk has had the chance and sucked.
braveguy
August 4th, 2010
10:36 pm
Kenshin hasn’t pitched since July 16th and hasn’t started since June 26th. I don’t see how you can start a guy who hasn’t pitched more than one inning in the last month and a half.
Braves
August 4th, 2010
10:38 pm
PLEASE. No more Kenshin Kawakami. Trust me. I seen him pitch this year and it really its NOT good.
Season is NOT over...
August 4th, 2010
10:42 pm
Send KK to the minors. Bring Minor up. Let both pitch as starters and evaluate after 2 or 3 starts.
KK gets work in to :rebuild” stamina. Minor gets the opportunity to prove he can hack it.
If Minor gets the job done then no problem. If Minor doesn’t and KK piches well, bring him back up.
hAL
August 4th, 2010
10:42 pm
what we need worse then a 5th starter is sonmone in the two hole who can actually hit the poser cost us a few runs tonight lol im thinking were lucky we have kk what would the nats or mets do call up a rookie whoo succks is what lol
atlwolf
August 4th, 2010
10:44 pm
Strange how this happens on the day the AJC runs a story about Kawakami being unhappy in his new role.
Chip Shot
August 4th, 2010
10:44 pm
KK cannot be sent to the minors.
hAL
August 4th, 2010
10:44 pm
everyone was worried about the 3,4spots but that has not been the problem of late maybe melky should move to right field lol
Steve
August 4th, 2010
10:45 pm
I seen him? Wow.
rugburn
August 4th, 2010
10:52 pm
did we turn j-hey into a slap hitter by putting him in the 2-hole? chipper only hits these days with no one on base, like tonight. with as many times that chipper has hit with prado and j-hey on , he should lead the league in rbis. no production in the 3-hole is a killer.
JMAYNE
August 4th, 2010
10:53 pm
KK is not ready to throw five innings. Kill em with the stats.
Minor’s starts @GWNT
Jul 1: 7.2 ip, 3 h, 1 r, 3 bb, 9 so
Jul 6: 5 ip, 5 h, 1 r, 2 bb, 6 so
Jul 19: 6 ip, 2 r (1HR), 1 bb, 5 so
July 24: 6 ip, 4 h, 3 r, 2 bb, 7 so
Jul 30: 7 ip, 1 h, 0 r, 2 bb, 8 so
Ill take Minor. Haha. No doubt. Only reason why it might not happen is he is due to pitch friday for trip-A and the braves need him on sunday. Already hasnt pitched in 5 days. that would make over a week between starts. but maybe have him throw a bullpen tomorrow. Please not KK
BATMAN
August 4th, 2010
10:55 pm
John Smoltz was a wonderful pitcher and from what I can see is fine individual but I am so tired of him anylizing every pitch I can`t listem any more . I turn off the sound and just watch the screen . He is boring me to death . I don`t want to learn how to pitch .
Braves
August 4th, 2010
10:56 pm
Look at Kenshin Kawakami stats. It does not take a rocket scientist to figure this one out. He needs some work before he can be a starter.
rugburn
August 4th, 2010
10:59 pm
kk’s stats are not much different than lowe’s or hansons. just the run support is different and the relievers bc uses
Braves
August 4th, 2010
11:00 pm
Tell Glavine to get ready.
Mathman
August 4th, 2010
11:02 pm
There is no doubt it will be KK as the starter. Martinez or Kimbrel may come up to replace Medlin on the roster, until O’Flaherty is ready. KK will get a chance to fail and Bobby will use him until it is obvious he is failing. Then, maybe Minor will get a shot, maybe.
cattle dawg
August 4th, 2010
11:02 pm
How good are the Gwinnett Braves? I would think kk gets a start or two.
rugburn
August 4th, 2010
11:03 pm
tell smoltz to break out the knuckleball again, maybe he and glavine can go 3 innings each. at least we couldn’t hear smoltz
Mathman
August 4th, 2010
11:04 pm
Maybe, the Braves should audition Smoltz and Glavine and sign the one who looks the best.
Flyboy
August 4th, 2010
11:07 pm
I agree with Batman…and I also had to turn off the sound…Smoltz simply would not shut up for a moment..a cacophony of cliches and mostly worthless info – even for a serious baseball fan….I too am a big fan of him as a pitcher, but he is plain awful as an analyst…where is Joe Simpson when we need him – he’s the best I have ever heard.
sid's bream
August 4th, 2010
11:09 pm
weird that this article posted today and Medlen went down within a few hours.
I guess this story doesn’t matter any more since he will probably have his starting spot back now.
hopefully the braves score more runs for him this time around.
rugburn
August 4th, 2010
11:09 pm
maybe we can get maddog back from the cubs. we can give them chip caray. we’re getting the band back together
IlliniBrave
August 4th, 2010
11:10 pm
DOB: any chance the Braves just DFA KK? Based on Cox’s response to your question, and KK’s comments in your interview, it seems he is personan non grata. If the Braves are going to pay him but not play him, doesn’t it make sense to just let him go? At least then it frees up a roster spot.
sid's bream
August 4th, 2010
11:10 pm
sorry, i was trying to reference the KK “didn’t come here to be a reliever article” but the link didn’t make it in the post.
The Real Gwinnett Braves Bible.com
August 4th, 2010
11:11 pm
Cattle Dawg,
The G Braves record this season is 52-58. Not sure what the G Braves record has to do with anything in regard to the Braves bringing up either Minor or Freeman.
Minor and Freeman have been outstanding this year. Minor has made 5 starts with Gwinnett and his numbers have been very impressive. I’ve seen him pitch twice, and Minor is a very good looking prospect.
I believe the Braves have seen enough of KK( there’s a reason why he hasnt pitched in 30 something games), and Minor will get called up if Medlen goes on the DL.
http://gwinnettbravesbible.com/
Chip Shot
August 4th, 2010
11:12 pm
if Minor gets called up and Freeman doesnt ALSO i have lost all interest in this years team.
sid's bream
August 4th, 2010
11:13 pm
How about the bring Freeman up to take medlan’s spot? KK wasn’t pitching anyway, so it’s not like they would be short a pitcher. Give him a chance at first. He can’t be worse than Glaus. he has earned it from tearing up AAA pitching and at least his legs work.
Blk. Peter Gammonds
August 4th, 2010
11:14 pm
When KK pitched it was like all the Braves players Great-grandfather were WWII veterans and they still had a grudge. Nobody gave him any cusion to pitch comfortably. It is hard to pitch like every inning it is the bottom of the 9th tied. Those situations are not condusive for a pitcher when he has to be that fine with his pitches.
The Real Gwinnett Braves Bible.com
August 4th, 2010
11:14 pm
Chip Shot,
Iagree, the Braves should ring up the 2 for 1 combo from Gwinnett.
http://gwinnettbravesbible.com/
Jorge Campillo
August 4th, 2010
11:15 pm
What ever happened to Jorge Campillo? He was good for a while!
Peter Gammons
August 4th, 2010
11:16 pm
WOW what a bunch of num nuts on this blog. Old fat dudes who never played ball just a bunch of stat readers!!!!!!!!
Chip Shot
August 4th, 2010
11:16 pm
im starting to like you Gwinnett Braves Bible.
Read ur stuff when i first saw you comment a couple days ago.
ive gone there every day now
Keith
August 4th, 2010
11:18 pm
I would say that due to Bobby’s reaction about KK, they’ll turn to Minor…I mentioned that to my brother as we were watching the game tonight….I kind of hope so….
The Real Gwinnett Braves Bible.com
August 4th, 2010
11:19 pm
Chip Shot,
Thanks for the compliment and for checking out the site. I’ve been following the Braves minor leagues for several years, and love seeing and talking about the Braves minor league system.
Chip Shot
August 4th, 2010
11:20 pm
well since we have so many good prospects ill go there for some good updates from you.
The Real Gwinnett Braves Bible.com
August 4th, 2010
11:21 pm
Keith,
There’s no comparison in the talent level of Minor and KK.
Minor is the future, and KK was a mistake.
Typical Braves Fan
August 4th, 2010
11:23 pm
Season’s over!!!! Bobby and Wren are happy that this happened because they hate winning!!! If we lose one more game this season I’m gonna become a Padres fan. Send Glaus, Hinske, Chipper, Lowe, Ankiel, and McCan to the minors. Bring back Yunel, Blanco, JoJo. Trade JoJo and prospects for Braun!!!
The Real Gwinnett Braves Bible.com
August 4th, 2010
11:23 pm
Chip Shot,
Please do. I’ll be heading to Birmingham on Sat to catch Teheran pitch for Mississippi.
Can’t wait to see him.
Justafan
August 4th, 2010
11:24 pm
Its Bobbys fault KK has not pitcher in 30 plus days. Talking about the GREAT MGR taking care of his players… more BS… DOB Report said Cox has not talk to KK in 30 days. Thats a great mgr, right?
God Bless the day BC is gone……….
Chip Shot
August 4th, 2010
11:26 pm
The Real Gwinnett Braves Bible.com,
I heard he pitches like Huddy and he had a no-no last night so its safe to say hes the future too. isnt he only 19?
Smarty
August 4th, 2010
11:26 pm
With Medlen probably gone I wonder if Cox can get arrested for contributing to a ‘Minor’.
Braves
August 4th, 2010
11:27 pm
How old is KK again? Enough said.
ABravesFan
August 4th, 2010
11:28 pm
Get well soon, Medlen.
Chip Shot
August 4th, 2010
11:29 pm
Agreed, He’ll hel for the stretch run when he comes back late next year in the pen.
Steve
August 4th, 2010
11:30 pm
Answers –
No, Venters is NOT being groomed to be the next closer. That would be Kimbrel. Venters is a future starter and was pitching very well at Gwinnett in his 12 starts.
KK is still the best choice, but Bobby’s reaction might not prove that out. Why? It doesn’t start any clocks ticking. If they think Minor will be in the rotation before July of next year, then fine .. bring him up. Otherwise it just costs us one year of control for an unknown commodity in the next 2 months. Don’t even try to compare the minor leagues to the majors and assume he will put up an ERA below KK.
As for KK.. we are paying him anyway. His ERA is only an insignificant amount below that of Lowe and Jurrgens, so he is getting a lot of crap thrown his way due to poor run support. I certainly don’t see anyone clamoring to remove Jurrgens from the rotation. Get off the hate bandwagon. With his current ERA Kawakami would still rank as one of the best 5th starters in the league.
tommy hawk
August 4th, 2010
11:32 pm
so you ask about kawakami and don’t ask the obvious question of cox:
why the HELL was medlen pitching in relief. seemed like a major risk. why didnt they throw KK in there to keep him fresh? you have some gimpy Ps in hudson and jurjens who came off a big injury already.
Biff Pocaroba
August 4th, 2010
11:32 pm
Tough break for Medlen. Tougher, yet, for the Braves. Prediction: Wren will scan the waiver wire and put a claim in on someone’s No. 5 starter — anyone he can pick up for dirt cheap. No way Minor get the call, and it’s fairly obvious Bobby has no faith in KK or he would have painted this one with roses, too (”We’ll be okay. KK is a starter and I’m sure he’ll be just fine.”) Nope. Didn’t hear him say anything like that and that should tell you all you need to know about KK’s stock as a starter. Don’t be surprised if a “Kevin Milwood” type shows up here by next week. ugh!
The Real Gwinnett Braves Bible.com
August 4th, 2010
11:34 pm
Chip Shot,
Teheran is only 19. According to scouts, he throws in the mid 90’s, with a nasty changeup. He also has a good feel for pitching, and makes adjustments very quickly.
The Real Gwinnett Braves Bible.com
August 4th, 2010
11:35 pm
And Teheran is the number 1 pitching prospect in the Braves system, and according to some, he might be the top pitching prospect in the minors next year.
The Real Gwinnett Braves Bible.com
August 4th, 2010
11:37 pm
Biff,
Just curious, why is there no way that Minor wouldnt get called up?
John
August 4th, 2010
11:39 pm
ugh…i think im gonna throw up. Medlen was my favorite starter. I can see Venters being thrown into the mix and call up Kimbrel to cover his spot. If not we MUST bring up Minor or this season is OVER! Medlen was our second best pitcher and KK CAN NOT replace what Medlen has done.
If KK is used then this season is over
Chip Shot
August 4th, 2010
11:40 pm
well if he’s in AA right now(probably AAA before seasons end) and he has a good spring for us in 2011 then we have some luxury as far as the rotation is concerned.
Gil In Mechanicsville
August 4th, 2010
11:43 pm
Steve, Jurrjens high ERA is primarily because of his poor start while trying to pitch through an injury at the beginning of the season.
That said, KK seems to draw the brunt of the poor run support. That said, he had not looked all that sharp in his last several starts.
Biff Pocaroba
August 4th, 2010
11:45 pm
Real: For the same reason Freeman isn’t here. They won’t rush the kids. Bobby would rather rely on experience in a pennant race than untested youngsters. He has a track record a mile long. And there’s something to be said for that in many instances. On the other hand, the organization didn’t follow that thinking a year ago when it gave the ball to Tommy Hanson and not Tommy Glavine. But I say again, Milwood is just the type of pitcher Cox would accept in this situation: familiarity, experience, cheap. But he has nothing left.
hAL
August 4th, 2010
11:49 pm
trade haystack for ted lilly
Jeff
August 4th, 2010
11:49 pm
Freeman and Minor time WOOOOHOOO, WE ARE SEEING THE FUTURE SOON!!!!!
The Real Gwinnett Braves Bible.com
August 4th, 2010
11:51 pm
Biff,
I agree that Cox prefers expereince, but the fact that KK’s face has been seen on the side of milk cartons recently make me think that Cox has no faith in him.
We will see in a day or two
The Real Gwinnett Braves Bible.com
August 4th, 2010
11:55 pm
I’ll be shocked if Minor doesnt get the call. The kid can flat out pitch.
Puma
August 5th, 2010
12:03 am
I agree with someones comments regarding KK not having innings being Cox’ fault. Why didn’t he come in tonight when Medlin went down, because he hasn’t pitched in a month? If there is no plan for him to pitch at all, why does he continue to take up a roster spot.
What is there game plan with KK if he isn’t going to be the 5th starter now? To keep taking up a spot in the bullpen? I am a big Cox fan, but Braves have managed to turn a relative asset in KK to something worth absolutely nothing. I am sure they will trade him in the off season while eating most of his salary.
I think they’ll start Ventors, he could be a great starter. Problem there is then Dunn is the only lefty left in the pen. Although he looked alright tonight.
Yard Dog
August 5th, 2010
12:12 am
I know this doesn’t have to do with Medlen but just want to say that georgia tech graduates are geeks!
oh no
August 5th, 2010
12:16 am
This couldn’t of been a worse time.. the phils have won 11 out of 13
MiniTank
August 5th, 2010
12:25 am
Gwinnett Braves….what kinda pitcher is Minor? Hard thrower?….what are his specialty pitches?
Rufio
August 5th, 2010
12:27 am
If in 30 days time and the 5th starter is now gone and BC is hesitant about using KK then they should go ahead and release KK. BC is stating he has zero confidence in the man. With the exception of April, KK pitched very well for us the beginning of the year. In fact, he had the same era avg as last year during May and June. It is not his fault that the offense can’t get runs for him.
The next 3 starts are against Houston,Dodgers and Cubs. All three clubs are not having outstanding years. In fact, if KK and the Braves offense can’t beat Houston they should cut him. Shame on Roger Mcdowell for not keeping him on a program to stay stretched out in case such an emergency should arise. After all, he is the long relief guy!
John
August 5th, 2010
12:29 am
I like Kruks idea on Baseball Tonight…..he thinks that when he got hit in the elbow in his last start while batting it did more damage than they thought and that maybe some blood vessels popped or somthing like that. It would make since because Medlen said he didnt feel a pop but a burning sensation.
MitchC
August 5th, 2010
12:44 am
Give Minor a shot. A team in a pennant race, with the Phillies charging as hard as they are, and winning every day, simply cannot have a guy like KK in their regular pitching rotation. We already know that KK is awful. Minor is the unknown. So, call him up, and hope he can give us some good quality efforts like Medlen did. He doesnt have to be an ace, just a back of the rotation starter.
I feel bad for Medlen. TJ surgery costs a lot of time if he needs it. The only “positive” is, that, he’s still young, and guys like Smoltz and Hudson, were/are sometimes much better after TJ surgery than they were before it. He may come back even better than before.
I will know Bobby has lost it if he gives the ball to KK every fifth day. He should try every available option at starter, before turning to KK. He is a LAST resort, really!
john norris
August 5th, 2010
12:56 am
Frank wren please claim a righthanded bat
we are still strugleing against lefthanded pitchers
and bring fredi freeman up and mike minor
and bobby cox please hit and run more
we will score more runs cannot lose
Tayler
August 5th, 2010
1:16 am
The people that are dissing Medlen must not have truly watched him pitch. The guy has 6 wins and only 2 losses, one came from which they experimented with him as a relief pitcher which is not his forte. Tonight his pitching was insanely good, his first two batters were struck out and he continued the work throughout the fifth inning. And I would like to point out, after Hudson, he is the second best batter for a pitcher. The kid has skill. If the surgery does happen to be the choice, then I hope the Braves will accept him back next year because Bobby has seemed sort of iffy with Medlen.
Meanwhile, Kawakami hasn’t pitched near good enough this year to put him back in the line-up. i agree, he has nights where he has some good pitches, but there aren’t enough to win a game which is what we need with the Phillies following us so closely. I don’t know much about Minor, but if Medlen goes disabled (which I pray he doesn’t), he can’t be near as bad as Kawakami.
Kawakami needs to be sent down to AAA with Mclouth because neither have preformed even half as good as they should playing at a major league level.
Logic Dictates
August 5th, 2010
4:58 am
LOLOLOL@ all the people who say Kenshin Kawakami has to replace Kris Medlen’s production. Just roll with the punches and stop crying so much.
Mr. Webster
August 5th, 2010
6:31 am
Some of you are seriously blaming BC for Medlen’s injury by using him in relief? We had a day off and his turn was skipped, so it as good as a side session. Some of you are just plain silly, looking to blame Bobby for everything. Go ahead and blame him for the oil spill, the making of Godfather III, and ruining Scooby-Doo by bringing Scrapp-Doo aboard.
Braves Defeat Mets 8-3, Pitcher Kris Medlen Injured | Tomahawk Take | An Atlanta Braves Blog
August 5th, 2010
6:57 am
[...] mood as Kris Medlen left the game with one out in the fifth inning with an injury to his elbow. Braves beat writer David O’Brien reports that it is an injury to the Ulnar Collateral Ligament which worst case scenario could spell Tommy [...]
E
August 5th, 2010
6:58 am
They should not have had that interview with KK yesterday on “I did not come here to be a reliever”.
901Braves
August 5th, 2010
7:24 am
Lets hope for the best with Medlin but for now its prob gonna have to be a AAA call up…that aside consider this: the Nats just put Adam Dunn on waviers….why not pick him up? we could pine Glaus possibly to PH..itl cost us a pretty penny but may be just wat we need.
Mr. Webster
August 5th, 2010
7:24 am
Who’s Medlin?
901Braves
August 5th, 2010
7:28 am
A typo.
901Braves
August 5th, 2010
7:29 am
Any thoughts on Adam Dunn?
jo
August 5th, 2010
7:36 am
special KK cant play
papadawg
August 5th, 2010
7:40 am
All I can say is DAMN
joedub
August 5th, 2010
7:44 am
i don’t know why i keep reading past the article to the crappy blog sections here…i think 90% of the people on here are absolutely cluesless. Example:
“john norris Frank wren please claim a righthanded bat
we are still strugleing against lefthanded pitchers
and bring fredi freeman up and mike minor
and bobby cox please hit and run more
we will score more runs cannot lose”
@john norris hahahaha we are struggling against lefty’s, so bring up a left-handed rookie to take over glaus’ spot (not that i disagree, but your logic is insane!!)
what the hell is wrong with you people??
WTF
August 5th, 2010
8:35 am
Thanks Cueto
BravesFan
August 5th, 2010
8:39 am
Come on FW, you made the right moves all along, please make it here. Mike Minor please!
Braves20
August 5th, 2010
8:49 am
Wren and Cox have seen enough of KK. He is this decade’s version of the 80’s Jose DeLeon who finished his career 33 games under .500 despite a career 3.75 ERA – including two seasons of 2-19 and 7-19. Some guys just can’t close the deal and win games. On the other hand, there’s Lowe who wins despite not so good numbers although his last start wasn’t too shabby.
BobtheBlogger
August 5th, 2010
9:31 am
I think Cox tipped his hand when he said KK hadn’t pitched in so long when answering the question about KK starting. I look for Minor to be called up. The Braves will continue to play with a 24 man team with KK being a permanent bench warmer.
GTSteve
August 5th, 2010
9:44 am
That said, KK seems to draw the brunt of the poor run support. That said, he had not looked all that sharp in his last several starts.
Really Gil, how about his LAST start…Jun 26th against Detroit. 7 innings 2 hits..yeah that is just horrible isn’t it
OCHOLOCOBRAVOS
August 5th, 2010
9:47 am
If BC wants to win it in his last season then he’ll bring up Minor, or atleast he’d be smart to. Look at the kids stats in the minors, granted the competition is less stellar than the majors, but the kids got madddd skillz, lol…
Not to mention we could benefit from having a lefty starter in the rotation – haven’t had one since GLAVINE!
GTSteve
August 5th, 2010
9:48 am
E, it’s not that they shouldn’t have done that interview, DOB shouldn’t have name the interview how he did. KK was very humble in the interview and had no problem with his new role, even though it really didn’t sound like the Braves had told him a whole lot…The naming of the interview really make KK look bad, but not the actual interview…The guy gave up 2 hits in 7 innings in his last start and had other outings where he really deserved to win. The offense, or lack of, and the defense has let him down this year.
OCHOLOCOBRAVOS
August 5th, 2010
9:51 am
Put it this way – When the NL East lead & our playoff hopes are on the line, who’d you rather have pitching to Ryan Howard in September, KK or Mike Minor???
P-Town Brave
August 5th, 2010
10:01 am
Hmm…anyone for Kyle Farnsworth ripping Cueto’s head off in the playoffs?
wjones
August 5th, 2010
10:05 am
OK, not that anyone reads anyone else’s posts on here, but here’s my thoughts:
1. Right now we have what amounts to a 23 man roster. Bobby will not use Ross as a pinch=hitter with McCann in the game, so that knocks our bench down to 12. KK only pitches when…well, he doesn’t pitch at all. Once he threw that two hitter in late June, he was only made one appearance. So presumably he only gets in a game when we go into extras and run out of pitchers.
2. KK is not going to be started because he “isn’t ready”. He isn’t going to be used in relieve because of a “trust factor”. He isn’t going to AAA because of a “contract factor”. I think it’s pretty obvious that he is one of the many players the Braves have put through waivers. So we have two choices here. If someone claims him, either make a trade with that team or just let them have him. If you can trade for a PTBNL, and get the team to pick up ANY salary, then great. If not, then it’s a sunk cost anyway and you clear a roster spot. Maybe even the Braves can pick up a useful player that has worn out his welcome elsewhere, like KK. Now if he ISN’T claimed, then the Braves can either make a deal with someone or just cut him. Surely SOMEONE wants a presumably healthy pitcher for the 5 spot in the rotation, and ANYTHING the Braves get is a plus. If you are never going to use him, it doesn’t help the player OR the team. Cut the losses, and open up the roster spot. And if Minor is the player you want to fill in, then there’s your roster spot. We can also call up another warm body who the Braves WANT to use to fill the 12th pitcher spot. We can debate whether they need a 12th pitcher for another day.
P-Town Brave
August 5th, 2010
10:13 am
I can tell you right now that no one is going to claim that contract…
The teams that have the money have better options, and the teams still in contention that could use him don’t have the money to afford that.
Tom Glavine
August 5th, 2010
10:56 am
Cancel the ceremony on Friday night….put me back in the rotation!!
Fantasy Baseball Blog at beondeck.com | Fantasy Baseball Advice
August 5th, 2010
10:59 am
[...] Medlen left his start in the fifth inning with a strained ulnar collateral ligament. He will have an MRI today. This could turn into Tommy John surgery. Medlen owners be prepared to [...]
News & Notes: August 5: Arencibia, Zambrano & More
August 5th, 2010
11:03 am
[...] Kris Medlen headed to the DL, Carroll Rogers of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (click here for the article), Mike Minor may be summoned from Triple-A to take his spot iin the rotation. He [...]
wjones
August 5th, 2010
11:06 am
P-Town Brave
“August 5th, 2010
10:13 am
I can tell you right now that no one is going to claim that contract…
The teams that have the money have better options, and the teams still in contention that could use him don’t have the money to afford that.”
Maybe not. Maybe the Braves have to eat half of it/most of it/all of it. What difference does it make if they aren’t going to use him? If he was injured or died tomorrow, they would have to eat it. What’s the difference? And who knows who will take a chance on him? He has pitched very well against a lot of MLB teams; maybe one of them would take him. My point is that he isn’t doing US any good, so playing “hard ball” would hardly be worth it.
Higgy
August 5th, 2010
11:27 am
Quick!!! Someone find Kawakami’s voodoo doll that he’s using against Medlin and get the pin out of Medlin’s arm!
submariner
August 5th, 2010
11:57 am
John Smoltz would make a better 5th than putting Minor in the fire too soon……and his playoff record is pretty damn good. He hasn’t officially retired has he? He’d come cheap to be a part of this potential last run for Cox and Jones….I’m thinking.
Smoltzy
August 5th, 2010
11:58 am
I’m In!!! I can be ready to go by October.
bravesfan
August 5th, 2010
12:09 pm
Anybody else think DOB jinxed Medlen with his article about KK?
scBravesfan
August 5th, 2010
12:30 pm
They are not going to start Venters. #1 – he’s been dominant out of the pen. #2 – he had problems in the minors as a starter the second/third time through the line-up.
Lamp
August 5th, 2010
12:48 pm
“Get Zambrano?” Heck no, I’d rather lose.
dpelfrey
August 5th, 2010
12:53 pm
Don’t need anybody. Minor’s ready enough to fill in every 5th day. Keep in mind Lowe, Jurrjens, Hudson and Hanson have all been pitching well lately. Not having Medlen won’t change the overall outcome this season. What will change the season outcome is if the Braves continue hitting under .200 with RISP.
Smedley McCool
August 5th, 2010
1:04 pm
if you’re a kid that has plans on becoming a MLB pitcher someday, go ahead and have Tommy John surgery when you’re around 17 or 18 and get it out of the way. Chances are you’re gonna have to have it later in your career anyway. This way you can have it taken care of early and learn to pitch around it.
Jay H.
August 5th, 2010
1:21 pm
Plus, if we put Smoltzy in as a 5th starter, it’ll get him out of the booth.
Roy Hobbs
August 5th, 2010
1:30 pm
Cox comment about KK not being ready because he has not pitched in so long is borderline mind numbing.
tyler nj brave
August 5th, 2010
1:41 pm
Yeah I don’t know about KK pitching. Yeah you can say his run support is horrible, but think about it his era is in the high 4’s. How many times did Bobby/ the bullpen bail him out of a sticky situation? I’m pretty sure it all evens out.
Bring up Minor
Put Glaus on the DL for rest and give Freeman a 2 week trial.
Kevin in Chatty
August 5th, 2010
1:50 pm
Is it not detrimental to the team to have Kawakami in the bullpen and not use him? I mean, shouldnt that last spot be used by someone who can take some of the load off of our other relievers?
curley, moe & larry
August 5th, 2010
1:55 pm
KK charts the games for Bobby. if you move him to starter, who is going to chart the pitches?? Think this thru people!
BraveFalconFan
August 5th, 2010
1:58 pm
Why not let Venters Start, that’s what he did in the minors
wjones
August 5th, 2010
2:00 pm
Smedley McCool
“August 5th, 2010
1:04 pm
if you’re a kid that has plans on becoming a MLB pitcher someday, go ahead and have Tommy John surgery when you’re around 17 or 18 and get it out of the way. Chances are you’re gonna have to have it later in your career anyway. This way you can have it taken care of early and learn to pitch around it.”
You might be saying that tongue in cheek, but I actually read an article a few months ago that told about some high school kids who were doing just that, thinking it would make them more draftable. Scary, isn’t it?
Atlanta Braves ‘appear poised’ to give LHP Mike Minor a look | Sports Righters
August 5th, 2010
2:10 pm
[...] Now, the actionable news: In the wake of the Medlen injury, 22-year-old pitching prospect Mike Minor could be in line for a promotion. [...]
Piedmont Blues
August 5th, 2010
2:25 pm
1) KK cannot be sent to the minors. It’s in his contract.
2) One reason the Braves may not call up Minor is that he’s already pitched 118 innings in this, his first full professional season. The team may not want to pencil him into the rotation if they were going to shut him down at about 150 innings or less anyway.
3) Venters is not going into the rotation this season (or at least not right away) because he’s been pitching an inning or so per outing. He’s not conditioned to throw five or six innings in one appearance and it would take a few weeks to get him ready for that.
4) I can’t fathom why KK hasn’t gotten some use in the past month. Makes no sense.
Savannah Seer
August 5th, 2010
2:30 pm
I hate to say this, but you could see Medlin’s injury coming. He started out relieving, then replaces KK as a starter. If memory serves, in games that Medlin started this year, the Braves did not lose ANY!!!!
Just before the break, they convert Medlin back to long relief, then back to starter. They had the guy going all over the place because WREN DOESN’T HAVE THE GUTS TO UNLOAD KK AND ADMIT HE GOT IT WRONG. Now we are forced to sit KK on the pines unless we are being blown out??
I thought we were trying to win something here, not satisfy contracts between inept pitchers and more inept GM’s!!!!
Chris Medlin deserved a far better fate, better management, and a better approach than what he was given. Cox has also blown out Wagner’s arm, and is doing the same thing to Hanson and Venters.
How many times have we seen Smoltz and Glavine and any reliever you’d like to remember, come into the stretch run and be completely out of gas or injured?? Far too many times for my tastes. That’s poor management in my eyes. And now, yet another good pitcher with a promising future goes down because they can’t figure out how to use this kid. He was good, very good!!!
As long as Wren and Cox are in charge, the carnage on our pitching staff will continue. What a damned shame!!! Lunacy!!!!!
Come back soon, Chris Medlin. You are a warrior!!! When you do, I trust that both Cox and Wren will not be here to greet you!!!
JMAYNE
August 5th, 2010
2:32 pm
I know why Kk hasnt been in any games, because bobby finally realizes that he sucks. Bring up Minor, let him fill in for a couple of starts and see how he does. Good audition for next year and he will be able to get some nerves out. Use off days to skip him and he should be good for the rest of the season. 32 innings before 150 (if thats the magic number) thats 5 or 6 starts. why not let him have them in atlanta.
Kentavo
August 5th, 2010
2:36 pm
Is Albie Lopez available?
John Smoltz
August 5th, 2010
2:43 pm
Guys, hello? Just because I’m telling lame jokes on Peachtree TV doesn’t mean I can still bring the heater.
Kentavo
August 5th, 2010
2:46 pm
The only heater you’re bringing is a portable one.
John Smoltz
August 5th, 2010
2:49 pm
good one Kentavo. Can I use some of your material on PT T.V.? I need to “one up” Ernie.
Medlen Getting MRI On Arm
August 5th, 2010
3:14 pm
[...] http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2010/08/04/medlen-leaves-wednesdays-start-with-elbow-ligame... Posted in Baseball, Recent News [...]
Mitchell
August 5th, 2010
3:36 pm
Can’t believe Medlen is out. Even if it ends up being one start it still sucks. That’s probably wishful thinking though.
I feel as confident in Medlen when he takes the mound as anybody on this team, maybe even more than Huddy.
If we’re talking about a first round series against the Cardinals even, I’d take Huddy, JJ and Medlen over anybody.
Of course, now I sound like a homer or perhaps like Baseball Tonight “expert” Chris Singleton who in a recent ESPN.com commentary said he’d “take Halladay, Oswalt and Hamels over Hudson, Jurrjens and Hanson any day.”
Sure, Halladay. Whatever. Can’t really argue with that, as good as Huddy is. Oswalt and Hamels? Yeah, I don’t think so. Have either one of those guys beaten us in the last two years?
I mean, as pathetic as that road trip was and as little faith I generally have in Bobby, last time I checked the Phillies are still looking up at us.
We absolutely should have swept the Mets. I mean, how do you take Lowe out after 79 pitches? That just shouldn’t happen. But whatever. Two out of three, right? At least we finally won a damn series so I guess I’m feeling a tiny bit more confident these days.
But you know all the pundits out there are lining up ready to pat themselves on the back the minute the Phillies take over first place. It hasn’t yet though, has it? Funny. Should be any day I guess. We’ve only been in first since May.
“But they’ve had so many injuries.” Like we haven’t. Give me a break.
It definitely does not suck to have a guy like Minor step in for Medlen but I’d so rather see Kris if we manage not to choke and finally make the playoffs. Huddy, JJ and Medlen in a short series would be legit.
It’s cross your fingers time.
Braves Face Tough Giants Rotation Four Times This Weekend | Tomahawk Take | An Atlanta Braves Blog
August 5th, 2010
4:58 pm
[...] we wait for word on Kris Medlen’s MRI results, the Braves face a tough series ahead by seeing four pitchers [...]
Braves Fan Since "80
August 5th, 2010
5:27 pm
LUCK OF THE DRAW…… Minor needs to learn what he needs t learn, hopefully not a lot. Injuries are a part of the game, better now (never good) than when he was slotted as a three or four starter
Medlen Getting MRI On Arm – Updated | Schreibz Sports Talk
August 16th, 2010
3:04 pm
[...] http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2010/08/04/medlen-leaves-wednesdays-start-with-elbow-ligame... [...]