The plot thickened for the Atlanta Braves rotation Tuesday, leaving fantasy owners to wonder which members of this pitching-rich organization can really be counted on the final few months. Left-hander Mike Minor seemed ticketed for the minors, but he tossed 7 1/3 innings of one-run ball against the New York Yankees. Right-hander Kris Medlen threw reasonably well for Triple-A Gwinnett in what is expected to be his final minor league start before promotion. And All-Star Game-bound right-hander Brandon Beachy, who is dealing with elbow soreness, had his start pushed back a few days to Saturday.
Seven different Braves pitchers have started a game this season, and by this time next week, Medlen should be the eighth. I like Medlen's future and can make the case he's the best buy-low option among all the rotation candidates for this season. Now 26 and recovered from Tommy John surgery, Medlen performed well as a starter through the minors and in 2010 with the Braves. Medlen also pitched well as a reliever this season until the Braves sent him down a few weeks ago to stretch out as a starter again. His last start for Gwinnett was supposed to be Tuesday, but Minor complicated matters with his performance.