Fredi Gonzalez decides to send Kris Medlen as starter in Wild Card game - MLB Update
Impressed by the series of splendid performances given by Kris Medlen in the season, the Atlanta Braves’ manager Fredi Gonzalez has decided to put him on the mound in the Wild Card game.
In light of the significance of the match, Atlanta will look to push their best arm forward so that they leave no stone unturned to win the game.
Tim Hudson has been sidelined in favour of Medlen despite the fact the former is far more experienced.
In order to ascertain that Medlen starts naturally on October 5, Gonzalez has brought changes in the rotation and has declared necessary adjustments.
Medlen will be aware of the hype of the game and the pressure it will impose. Undoubtedly he has been tremendous with regard to his command and control but throwing in a high profile game requires various other qualities.
Certainly the game will be a challenge for him. At the same time, it will be an opportunity to cement his place among the most reliable pitchers in baseball.
What happened with Justin Verlander in the All-Star Game will be in the mind of Medlen. Verlander was terrific in the first half of the season but as soon as he came across batters in an important game he was struck for many hits. Medlen will like to ensure
what Verlander experienced does not happen to him.
Tim Hudson has stepped out praising Medlen and showing complete faith in his abilities. He endorses the decision of the manager about Medlen for throwing in the game on October 5.
“I don’t think it’s any secret, Medlen’s been our best pitcher for a month or two now,” Hudson said. “He’s a guy we’re going to lean on. We’ve been leaning on him for a while now. I feel like we have guys that can step in and pitch. But obviously games like
that, you want your best guys ready to go. He’s been not only one of our best pitchers, but one of the best pitchers in the game the last month and a half.”
The credentials that Medlen has exhibited on the mound so far will be tested heavily during the Wild Card game. Suffering a defeat in such a crucial game will be a nightmarish scenario.
It will be exciting to see whether he can add another feather to his cap by winning on that day and taking the Braves forward.
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