2012 Braves Roster: Kris Medlen Returns To Bullpen Role

Kris Medlen made his return from a two-week assignment trip to Triple A Gwinnett where he was to work on getting stretched out for an Atlanta return to the starting rotation. However, Medlen was back in the Braves bullpen on Friday night and it looks like that is where he will remain at least for the time being.

When the Braves send Medlen down both Mike Minor and Randall Delgado were struggling. Both have pitched better of late and suddenly Atlanta has a huge hole in its bullpen that they are hoping that Medlen can help fill. Jonny Venters has struggled to get anyone out of late and Eric O'Flaherty has been sidelined with a sore elbow.

Medlen entered Friday's game in the seventh and pitched two scoreless innings while allowing one hit to Adam Jones who he quickly picked off of first.

Typically you don't see the Braves do an about face the way they did with Medlen in this instance but it is probably the right move. To make room on the roster Atlanta cut ties with Livan Hernandez. Medlen admitted some disappointment at leaving for two weeks only to return to the same role but once again expressed his willingness to do whatever he needed to make the team better.

"It's a little disheartening I guess because I went down there to be a starter," Medlen said. "But things happen and they make plans and they don't always work out. My entire career has been based on doing what I can for the team to help us win. Winning makes everything a lot better. I'll do anything. I'm back in the bullpen and I'm going to make the most out of that."

For more on the Atlanta Braves head over to Talking Chop. For more news and notes from around Major League Baseball head over to Baseball Nation.

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Kris Medlen Throws 5 Scoreless In Second Start With Gwinnett Braves

Kris Medlen's second start in Triple-A Gwinnett on Thursday night was quite encouraging for Braves fans.

Medlen removed after 5 IP with 1-0 lead.4 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks. 4Ks.58 pitches 40 strikes

— Gwinnett Braves (@GwinnettBraves) June 8, 2012

Medlen underwent Tommy John surgery in 2010 and began Atlanta's season in the bullpen. With the goal of him becoming a starter, he was sent to Gwinnett to stretch out his arm and become a starter again. In his first start, Medlen struggled, giving up four runs on five hits over 2 1/3 innings.

He threw 66 pitches in his first start and 58 on Thursday. The hope is he will be able to get up to at least 90 pitches after three or four starts.

Be sure to check back with the SB Nation Atlanta StoryStream for continued updates on Medlen's return to Atlanta. For more on the Braves, be sure to check out Talking Chop.

Kris Medlen Struggles In First Start With Gwinnett Braves

Kris Medlen is preparing to return to the starting rotation with the Atlanta Braves. The club decided to put him in the bullpen to begin the season due to his Tommy John Surgery in the summer of 2010, but they have announced their intentions to make him a starter once agin. Medlen was sent down to Triple-A Gwinnett to build up his arm strength, and is expected to make three or four starts to get accustomed to the workload of 90 or 100 pitches once again.

Medlen's first start with the Gwinnett Braves was not great. He was on a pitch count of 65 pitches (he threw 66) and lasted just 2.1 innings against the Charlotte Knights. Medlen allowed four runs to score on five hits and two walks. He struck out four, which is a very encouraging sign.

The poor numbers aren't a great sign, but it's important to remember that Medlen is going to take a while to get used to making starts. He will need to start incorporating his curveball a bit more to his trusty fastball-changeup combination in order for him to be successful. And seeing as Medlen hasn't thrown more than 40 pitches in any game this season you can understand why he was a bit rusty going for 66 pitches.

Be sure to check back with the SB Nation Atlanta StoryStream for continued updates on Medlen's return to Atlanta.

For more on the Braves be sure to check out Talking Chop.

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