Medlen has elbow damage

When Braves doctors reviewed the results of an MRI exam performed on Monday, they saw what appears to be damage around the ulnar collateral ligament in Medlen’s right elbow.

James Andrews, who performed Tommy John surgery on the Braves’ pitcher on Aug.

After the MRI exam Braves left-handed reliever Jonny Venters underwent near the end of Spring Training last year, he visited Andrews, who prescribed a month’s worth of rest.

After Venters began throwing off a mound again in May, he felt discomfort that led him to the determination he would have to undergo a second Tommy John surgery.

“I’m really hoping for the best for Kris,” said Braves pitcher Brandon Beachy, who continues to encounter frustration as he attempts to return from the Tommy John surgery he underwent two years ago.

Less than 24 hours after having a “sickening feeling” as Medlen made his abrupt exit, Wren saw his rotation concerns grow, courtesy of the rough two-inning performance Beachy completed against the Phillies.

The Braves believe Beachy is simply dealing with normal soreness as he recovers from a cleanup surgery Andrews performed in September to remove a floating bone chip from his repaired elbow.

But there is obviously some reason for concern given all of the struggles Beachy endured, as he was limited to just five starts once he finally returned to the Braves’ rotation 13 months after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

Gavin Floyd has impressed the Braves with the arm strength he has shown while attempting to return from the elbow reconstruction surgery he underwent 10 months ago.