had won 21 consecutive games started by Medlen, the most in major league baseball since the Yankees won 22 consecutive games started by Whitey Ford from 1950 through 1953, a span interrupted by his service during the Korean War. On Sep 30, 2012, Medlen led the Braves to their 23rd consecutive victory in games that he started, as they beat the Mets, 6–2. Medlen pitched 6 Innings, allowing 3 hits, 1 walk and 1 unearned run, while striking out 4. This established a new major league record in that category, according to mlb.com. Medlen started against the St. Louis Cardinals in the MLB's first ever single-game wild card playoff. Medlen pitched 6.1 innings and allowed 5 runs, only 2 earned, on 3 hits. He gave up a home run and was credited with the loss in this game. Honors On September 4, 2012, Medlen was named National League "Pitcher of the Month" for August 2012. In an article discussing the award, Atlanta Journal-Constitution writer David O'Brien pointed out that many commentators have been comparing Kris Medlen to the Braves' legendary pitcher, Greg Maddux. Medlen repeated as National League "Pitcher of the Month" for September, becoming the first Braves pitcher to win this back-to-back since Greg Maddux, in June and July 2001. 2013 season On June 8, 2013, Medlen hit his first career home run. In 2013, he went 15–12 with a 3.11 ERA in 32 games (31 starts). In his only postseason appearance in 2013, he pitched 4 innings, and gave up 5 earned runs on 9 hits with a home run. He was credited with the loss, bringing his postseason win–loss record to 0–2. 2014 season On March 9, 2014, Medlen left a Spring training game due to a sore right elbow. The following day, he had MRIs which tested positive that there was ligament damage in the elbow. Trying to avoid surgery, he sought a second opinion with Dr. James Andrews. However, Dr. Andrews looked at Medlen's test results, and could only confirm Medlen's worst fears; Medlen needed a second Tommy John surgery, and as a result, Medlen missed the entire 2014 season. Medlen became a free agent on December 2, 2014 after he was non-tendered by the Braves. Kansas City Royals On December 18, 2014, he signed a two-year deal (with a mutual option for a third year) with the Kansas City Royals for a guaranteed $8.5