Kris Medlen is a former professional baseball player who played as a pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB) for several teams. He was born on October 7, 1985, in Artesia, California, and attended Gahr High School in Cerritos, California. Medlen was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 10th round of the 2006 MLB draft and made his MLB debut with the team in 2009.
Medlen spent most of his career with the Braves, where he played from 2009 to 2013 and again in 2016. He also played for the Kansas City Royals in 2015 and the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2018. Medlen was known for his versatility as a pitcher, as he could pitch both as a starter and a reliever.
Medlen's best season came in 2012 when he went 10-1 with a 1.57 ERA in 50 games, including nine starts. He was named the National League Pitcher of the Month in August 2012 and finished the season with a 0.97 WHIP and 120 strikeouts in 138 innings pitched. Medlen's performance helped the Braves win the National League Wild Card and reach the playoffs.
However, Medlen's career was plagued by injuries, particularly to his elbow. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2010 and again in 2014, which caused him to miss significant portions of the 2011, 2014, and 2015 seasons. Despite his injuries, Medlen remained determined to continue playing and worked hard to recover from his surgeries.
Medlen announced his retirement from baseball in March 2019, citing his desire to spend more time with his family. He finished his career with a record of 41-25, a 3.33 ERA, and 494 strikeouts in 630 innings pitched. Medlen was known for his competitive spirit and his ability to overcome adversity, and he was respected by his teammates and opponents alike.
In addition to his MLB career, Medlen also played for the United States national baseball team in the 2017 World Baseball Classic. He was a valuable member of the team and helped them reach the championship game, where they lost to Puerto Rico.
Overall, Kris Medlen was a talented and versatile pitcher who had a successful career in MLB despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks. He was a fan favorite and a respected member of the baseball community, and his contributions to the sport will not be forgotten.
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