Ouch- The Atlanta Braves took a major hit as Kris Medlen was diagnosed with a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, that might require season ending Tommy John Surgery.
This is a big blow to the rotation as Kris Medlen has been real good as late. He’s started to dominate hitters at the big league level, and his numbers speak for themselves. The problem their facing is that the tear wasn’t deemed complete, so you could go 1 of 2 ways.
I had Tommy John Surgery on my pitching elbow 6 years ago by Dr. James Andrews, and was in a similar situation as Kris Medlen so I definitely feel his pain.
1) He could go the rehab route, and try and strengthen the muscles around the ligament, and hope the ligament heals.
2) He could have surgery.
I’m not a doctor, and I’m not Kris Medlen, but speaking as a survivor of the TJ- I would recommend just getting the surgery now. IF he has it now- sure the Braves pitching staff will take a hit, but it will give him a shot at pitching again next year. If he goes the rehab route, comes back, isn’t as effective, the Braves could really hurt they’re chances of getting into the postseason by running out an injured pitcher. The Braves should be able to find an ample replacement- but they should forget about Kris Medlen this season, and do everything they can to get his young career back on track post surgery.
Original Story:
http://www.tomahawktalk.com/2010/08/k...
