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Braves starter Kris Medlen expects to have second Tommy John surgery

Kris Medlen is 34-20 with a 2.95 ERA in five seasons with the Braves. (Mark Cunningham/Getty Images)

Kris Medlen (Mark Cunningham/Getty Images)

There is a "high likelihood" Kris Medlen will undergo Tommy John surgery in his pitching elbow for the second time in five years, Braves general manager Frank Wren said on Wednesday.

The news adds to injury concerns for the Braves, who signed Ervin Santana to a one-year deal earlier in the day as an insurance policy for their injured starters — a group that also includes Brandon Beachy (biceps tendinitis) and Mike Minor (shoulder soreness).

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Medlen tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow on Sunday. He will see Dr. James Andrews in the next few days before making a final decision on surgery.

The 28-year-old said he felt the injury on a curveball to Curtis Granderson, but he threw two pitches to the next batter because he said he was in denial.

But sharp pain after each pitch led him to leave the mound clutching his elbow.

In two full seasons after his return from the first Tommy John surgery, Medlen was 25-13 with a 2.47 ERA in 82 appearances, including 43 starts.

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