Kris Medlen piles up strikeouts as a starter for Atlanta Braves - MLB Update
Ever since given the role of starting games, Kris Medlen has been terrific with regard to striking-out batters. He started off the season as a reliever as per the plan of the team management to increase the burden on him gradually.
In light of the fact that he had Tommy John Surgery, he needed such a treatment from the team officials.
However, right now he is throwing pitches at his full potential and collecting sufficient number of strike-outs in almost every game.
Medlen has become the only pitcher for the Braves with more than 12 strike-outs in two starts. Apart from this, he is winning games every time he earns the opportunity for starting.
He has proven to be the right pitcher to counter-balance the impact of injuries that happened to some of the Braves’ hurlers at the start of the season.
When Brandon Beachy got injured, Atlanta’s fans were demoralised. They were fearful that their fate may not be any different to what happened with them last year when fragility of their pitching department caused their humiliating exit from the season.
Since Medlen joined the rotation, the notion that Braves rely heavily on the offence for winning matches has almost been eliminated. He, along with Tim Hudson and the rest of the pitchers have produced stunning victories for the team.
What differentiates Medlen from others is the rate at which he strikes-out hitters per game.
Furthermore, Medlen believes his transition from a reliever to starter has been productive so far. He is happier with the starting job because it allows him more time to rest and devise strategies to hoodwink the batters.
Medlen has commented on the four-seamer pitch which he has used often as a starter for tricking batters into committing mistakes.
“It gives guys a different look,” said Medlen. “I’ve been using it to both sides. It’s definitely helped me out….The four-seamer has really helped me to stay on my plane and keep my arm up because you’ve got to stay behind it.”
Besides, he has talked of the benefits he enjoys in his new role.
“Out of the bullpen you have to establish whatever works for that day,” Medlen said. “As a starter you have a chance to make more adjustments.”
If Medlen keeps retiring batters at the current pace, he certainly can ensure the Braves some important wins during the crucial games ahead.
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