The Braves are set to host the defending World Series champions this weekend, and there will be a new face in the broadcast booth.
Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that Kris Medlen will debut on Braves Live as a new analyst for Bally Sports this Saturday against the Astros. Apparently, Peter Moylan advocated for the former Braves pitcher.
“He’s definitely one of my best friends, like a brother,” Medlen said. “So to do this with him, it’s pretty exciting.”
The California native is a fan favorite, with his best season coming in 2012 when he posted a 1.57 ERA over 50 games.
“That 2012 season for me was like – I always reflected back on me as a child, like, man, that would be so cool,” he said. “And I’m sitting on top of the world for two months. It made my life. It made my career. It was awesome.”
Over 152 games in his Braves career, Medlen posted a 2.95 ERA. Toscano had a pretty wild tidbit in the report that the club won 23 consecutive Medlen starts, a major-league record. His career was eventually derailed by injuries, designated for assignment by Atlanta following his second Tommy John surgery.
He tried to make a comeback with the Royals in 2014 but dealt with shoulder issues and again with the Braves in 2017, but it didn’t work out. Now, he’s back in the heart of Braves Country at Truist Park.
We’re excited for Kris Medlen, congratulations and good luck!
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