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In a press conference around 11 AM EDT this morning, Frank Wren announced that Kris Medlen's MRI revealed "involvement of the ligament." At this point, they're uncertain what this means, and they'll be looking for more information.
Kris Medlen's MRI revealed involvement of the ligament. He will continue to be evaluated. #Braves
— Kevin McAlpin (@KevinMcAlpin) March 11, 2014
#Braves Wren on Medlen: "MRI does show some involvement in the ligament. We don't know the ex tent yet. He's going to have continued tests"
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) March 11, 2014
Needless to say though, it's not great.
Wren says Medlen's MRI showed damage around the right elbow ligament. But they will wait a few more days to make a decision
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) March 11, 2014
They may go to Dr. James Andrews for the second opinion, since MRIs are often difficult to read after Tommy John surgery
My guess is that there's something that's either weird scar tissue or a tear and they need dr Andrews to differentiate for sure.
— Franklin Rabon (@fjrabon) March 11, 2014
Like with Jonny Venters last year, Medlen's MRI was hard to read because he has already undergone one TJ surgery
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) March 11, 2014
Medlen will "likely" see Dr James Andrews, but that hasn't been determined to this point. #Braves
— Kevin McAlpin (@KevinMcAlpin) March 11, 2014
GM Frank Wren: "A diagnosis would be premature at this point, he will undergo further tests until we seek a second opinion." #Braves
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) March 11, 2014
As for any potential replacements, should Medlen not get positive news, Wren was noncommittal.
#Braves have inquired on free agent E. Santana. Wren didn't name names, said only that they are exploring options
— David O'Brien (@ajcbraves) March 11, 2014
No news on Brandon Beachy either, but the team remains optimistic that no news is good news, in his case.
Nothing new on #Braves Beachy, team thinks it's typical soreness and inflammation that can occur coming back from elbow surgery
— David O'Brien (@ajcbraves) March 11, 2014
It would be premature to speculate what "involvement of the ligament" may mean, but we'll keep you updated as news becomes available. We're not the only ones who are worried, though.
@KevinMcAlpin Ok, I will speak for everyone else who is scared to. What the hell does that mean??? Explain 'involvement'.
— Chipper Jones (@RealCJ10) March 11, 2014