Kris Medlen recoiled in pain and immediately walked off the mound Sunday, and today the Atlanta Braves will learn more about their Opening Day starter after he undergoes an MRI for what was initially diagnosed as a forearm strain.
So the rotation could become an immediate area of concern for the Braves. Tim Hudson has moved on to the Giants, and the Braves don't know if Mike Minor will be ready at the outset of the season, after having an offseason procedure.
If Medlen is sidelined, then Atlanta could be looking at an opening rotation of Julio Teheran, Brandon Beachy, Freddy Garcia, Alex Wood and David Hale (the 26-year-old Hale made two starts for the Braves last year, and pitched effectively). The Braves also believe that Gavin Floyd, who is progressing well through his rehabilitation in camp this spring, could be available to them in late May or June.
They could look for alternatives in other camps -- and typically, March 10 is about the time that general managers and scouts begin to check in with rival clubs about needs and available players.