Medlen gets starting shot on the hill

[Nicole]

Medlen gets starting shot on the hill

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?...=.jsp&c_id=mlb

ATLANTA -- Further displaying his valuable versatility, Kris Medlen worked a perfect seventh inning during Friday night's 6-5 win over the D-backs. On Tuesday, the 24-year-old right-hander will begin an extended stint as Jair Jurrjens' replacement in the Braves' starting rotation.

Because Medlen hadn't pitched since his May 8 start in Philadelphia, Braves manager Bobby Cox had every intention to utilize him for one inning during Friday night's game.

While breezing through the heart of the D-backs' lineup in perfect fashion, the versatile right-hander kept his arm strong in productive fashion.

"We were trying to get him in the game no matter what," Cox said. "He needed an inning no matter what. It would have been 11 days [between appearances] if he didn't. It was a perfect tuneup, and he may have won us the game."

Medlen's start against the Mets on Tuesday night will be his second of the season. His first proved to be a determined effort as he limited the Phillies to one run, despite allowing nine hits in 4 1/3 innings. The 88 pitches he threw that afternoon doubled the highest pitch count he had totaled in any of his 12 relief appearances this season.

[BRANDON BOND]

medliiiiiiin!