Braves pitcher Kris Medlen threw off a mound for the first time since his Tommy John surgery Aug. 18. The 25-year-old threw 15 pitches in the bullpen at 50 percent.
↵Medlen's loss was big for the Braves in August, as he had a 3.68 ERA and 3.78 FIP in 107.2 innings last season. Medlen didn't show big punch out ability or major ground ball tendencies, but he kept runners off base due to a 1.76 BB/9 and a changeup valued at 3.7 runs.
↵Everything seems to be on track for Medlen, both physically and mentally. He still has his competitive edge:
↵↵↵"You know, I think it’s my spot," he said, "just that they’re battling for it. It’s unfortunate that I’m not there to battle with them for it."
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That's Medlen.
↵The Braves hope to have him back near the end of the season, possibly as soon as August, but TJ rehab isn't something you can put a detailed schedule on. Luckily for the Braves, they are loaded in the rotation with talent and depth, and their season won't hinge on Medlen. How he impacts the team down the stretch is impossible to predict, but remember that feel for pitches and success out of the gates is not that common.