KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) - After the Braves learned Kris Medlen may have a serious elbow injury, Julio Teheran and five relievers combined on a two-hitter Tuesday in Atlanta’s 9-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies.
Atlanta said an MRI showed Medlen injured a ligament in his right elbow Sunday and that it is too early to determine the extent of the damage.
Teheran, who went 14-8 with a 3.20 ERA last season, struck out three in four perfect innings and has given up six hits in 13 scoreless innings this spring training. Closer Craig Kimbrel allowed a hit to Kevin Frandsen with two outs in the seventh after walking two batters.
Dan Uggla hit his second homer in two days and Todd Cunningham and Edward Salcedo also connected for Atlanta.
Phillies starter David Buchanan allowed hit and a walk in three innings, leaving him with a 1.50 ERA.
FOR STARTERS
Phillies: Buchanan said he felt fine after his third appearance of spring training. He spent most of last season at Double-A Reading and moved up to Triple-A Lehigh Valley to finish the season. The 24-year-old right-hander is an outside candidate for a spot in the Phillies’ rotation. “I feel like I am throwing the ball well,” Buchanan said. “The biggest thing in pitching is confidence and always believing you can get anybody out.” Buchanan said he was mentored by retired Phillies pitcher Roy Halladay.
Braves: Teheran has walked one batter in four starts and appears likely to be Atlanta’s opening-day starter.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Braves: Medlen will get a second opinion on his right elbow, which was injured Sunday against the New York Mets. Medlen came out of the game in the fourth inning after clutching his forearm. Braves general manager Frank Wren hopes Medlen can avoid what would be his second elbow-ligament replacement surgery in less than four years.
DIFFERENT LOOK FOR PHILLIES
Ryan Howard was kept out of his typical cleanup spot on Tuesday and dropped to No. 5 in the batting order. Marlon Byrd hit cleanup.
PROMISING STARTS
Uggla lifted his batting average to .318 - he hit .179 for the Braves last season. Teammate B.J. Upton, who batted .184 after coming over as a free agent from the Tampa Bay Rays, was off on Tuesday but os now batting .269 after an 0-for-6 start.
IMPORTANT START
With Medlen, Brandon Beachy and Mike Minor all struggling with injuries, Alex Wood’s start on Wednesday against the Washington Nationals takes on added importance. Wood, 3-3 with a 3.13 ERA in 11 starts for the Braves last season, was expected to have the first shot at the fifth spot in the Braves’ rotation. He hasn’t allowed an earned run in five innings this spring training.
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