Brandon Beachy
photo by Tim Evearitt
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Two days after Kris Medlen confirmed that he is likely destined to undergo a second Tommy John surgery, Brandon Beachy indicated he is prepared to realize the same fate.
Medlen and Beachy will both be evaluated by Dr. James Andrews on Monday. Results of tests performed this week have given both of these Braves pitchers no choice but to be prepared to undergo this elbow ligament replacement procedure for the second time in less than four years.
Less than 24 hours after Medlen exited Sunday's start against the Mets with an ailing right elbow, Beachy lasted two innings in a start against the Phillies that was marred by tightness around his right elbow and biceps muscle. He was told the discomfort was to be expected, as he attempted to return from the two elbow surgeries he has undergone over the past 20 months.
But the images from an MRI exam and a stress X-ray performed earlier this week have indicated he has some damage around the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.
Andrews previously performed Tommy John surgery on both of these two Braves pitchers. Medlen underwent the procedure in August 2012 and then endured a 13-month rehab process before returning to make two relief appearances for Atlanta during the final week of the 2011 regular season.
Beachy's attempt to return from the procedure he underwent in June 2012 has been filled with frustration. The 27-year-old right-hander made just five starts last year before he was shut down near the end of August. A month later, Andrews performed a cleanup surgery during which he removed a floating bone chip from Beachy's right elbow.
------ Source:MLB.com