The Atlanta Braves faced off with their NL East rivals on Tuesday afternoon and sent Kris Medlen to the mound as a starter for the first time in nearly 18 months. While Medlen only worked two innings and was likely just getting his work in, all eyes were on the righty and his surgically repaired elbow. Despite a solid outing from Medlen, the Braves fell by a score of 5-2.
Medlen worked two innings and allowed one run -- a solo-shot to Jayson Werth -- while striking out two batters and walking none. The Braves trio of stud relievers, Eric O'Flaherty, Jonny Venters and Craig Kimbrel all worked an inning, although Kimbrel was the only one to avoid giving up a run. Cristhian Martinez continued his stellar work out of the bullpen and struck out three batters in two scoreless innings.
Dan Uggla continued to hit well and smacked yet another double to drive in a run. Brian McCann doubled as well, and shortstop prospect Andrelton Simmons singled and drew a walk in his first start of the spring. Freddie Freeman made his debut after injuring his knee last week and went 0-for-3. Fortunately, the slugging first baseman said the knee felt good and he was just a bit rusty in the box.
Former-Brave Mark DeRosa hit a solo-homer for the Nationals in the fourth inning. Top-prospect Bryce Harper went 1-for-4 with a single. The talented outfielder was also caught up on a double play to end a scoring threat.
The Braves are now 1-3 in Spring Training and will take on the Tigers at 1:05 ET on Wednesday.