Atlanta Braves: A look at Kris Medlen

Atlanta Braves

Atlanta Braves: A look at Gwinnett AAA pitcher Kris Medlen in photos, May 2009.

Eleven months ago, he was a little-known Class AA reliever. Now, Kris Medlen is preparing to start May 21, 2009, for the Braves against the Colorado Rockies. -- David O'Brien

"I'm excited, and nervous at the same time," says Medlen, called up ahead of roommate and Braves top pitching prospect Tommy Hanson after going 5-0 with a 1.19 ERA in eight games (six starts) at Class AAA Gwinnett. -- David O'Brien

This is heady stuff for Medlen (left), 23, who always Hanson (right) would be the first to start a game in the majors. -- David O'Brien

Medlen (shown here with the Mesa Solar Sox in Oct. 2008) held opposing hitters to a .157 average and no homers at Gwinnett. He relies on three pitches: 91-94 mph fastball, change-up, and curveball, all of which are considered average or better by big-league standards. -- David O'Brien

"I'm going to go over a [Rockies] scouting report," a wide-eyed Medlen (shown here May 11) said Wednesday, May 20. "I've never gone over a scouting report in my life. Should be cool." -- David O'Brien

Medlen and Hanson (not shown) share an apartment in Gwinnett County. They've been roommates at every level in the minors, and Medlen said there have been no awkward feelings since he got the call. "Not awkward at all," he said. "We all know Tommy's going to be here. Everyone's looking forward to seeing him pitch here. Right now, it's my turn." -- David O'Brien

Since this might be a temporary opening if Tom Glavine comes off the disabled list, the Braves didn't want to call Hanson (right) for what might be one start. That, plus the fact that Medlen (left) had been pitching as well or better than Hanson, led Braves officials to go with the hot hand. -- David O'Brien

1/7

Eleven months ago, he was a little-known Class AA reliever. Now, Kris Medlen is preparing to start May 21, 2009, for the Braves against the Colorado Rockies. -- David O'Brien

Today's Gallery Headlines

Photos: Cedar Grove defeats Cairo in first round of state tournament

PHOTOS: See the 'Places in Peril' across Georgia for 2026

PHOTOS: Tyler Reddick wins again at Autotrader 400

Allyson Phillips (center), Laken Riley’s mother, prays at UGA’s Tate Plaza on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, during a memorial service for her daughter. Riley was attacked on Feb. 22, 2024 while running in Oconee Forest Park on the UGA campus and killed. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)

PHOTOS: Hundreds honor Laken Riley with 5K, memorial on UGA campus

More Galleries

Newly hired Braves manager Walt Weiss speaks during a news conference Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Daniel Varnado for the AJC)

PHOTOS: Walt Weiss introduced as new Braves manager

PHOTOS: Braves take on the Pirates Saturday

PHOTOS: Braves fall to Cubs, 6-1

Alerts