KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Atlanta Braves pitcher Kris Medlen has undergone elbow-ligament replacement surgery for the second time.
The Braves said Wednesday that Dr. James Andrews reconstructed the ulnar collateral ligament in Medlen's right elbow a day earlier during the procedure at Gulf Breeze, Fla. Medlen is expected to miss the entire season.
Medlen tore his right UCL while pitching against the New Yorl Mets on Aug. 4, 2010, was operated on by Andrews that Aug. 18 and didn't pitch for the Braves again until Sept. 25, 2011.
The 28-year-old right-hander was 15-12 with a 3.11 ERA last year. He left a spring training start against the Mets in the fourth inning on March 9 when he felt forearm pain.
Medlen has a 34-20 record with a 2.95 ERA in five big leagues seasons and is 30-13 in 61 starts.