Report: Braves agree to minors deal with Medlen

Kris Medlen is coming back to Georgia.

The Atlanta Braves have reportedly signed the right-hander to a minor-league deal, without an invite to spring training, according to David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

After two subpar seasons with the Kansas City Royals, he had his 2017 option declined this winter.

A former 10th-round pick by the Braves in the 2006 draft, the 31-year old spent five seasons with the Braves. Overall, he compiled a 2.95 ERA over 512 2/3 innings pitched.

Medlen's best season came in 2012, when he went 10-1 with a 1.57 ERA, striking out 120 batters and surrendering just 23 walks.

His Braves career came to an end during 2014 spring training after he was forced to undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery - the second time in less than four years he had to have the procedure.

After missing the entire year, he returned to pitch two seasons with the Royals, where he struggled to the tune of a 5.12 ERA over just 82 2/3 innings of work.