D-backs purchase contract of pitcher Kris Medlen, option Silvino Bracho

The Arizona Diamondbacks made the move of starter Kris Medlen onto their roster official Friday, purchasing his contract from Triple-A Reno.

Medlen was named the starter for Friday’s game against the Houston Astros by manager Torey Lovullo on Thursday. He will be making the start in place of the injured Robbie Ray, who is recovering from a right oblique strain.

To make room for Medlen on the 25-man roster, reliever Silvino Bracho was optioned to Reno. In addition, to clear out space for Medlen on the 40-man roster, the team transferred Taijuan Walker to the 60-day disabled list after he had Tommy John surgery. For the time he spends on the 60-day DL, Walker will be temporarily off the team’s 40-man roster.

Medlen didn’t pitch in the majors last season but worked his way around the Atlanta Braves’ minor league system. He spent 2009-13 with Atlanta before an elbow injury that required a second Tommy John surgery caused him to miss the entire 2014 season.

The right-hander spent 2015-16 with the Kansas City Royals, starting 21 games and going 7-5 with a 3.25 ERA. Medlen won a World Series with the Royals in 2015.

For Triple-A Reno this season, Medlen has gone 0-3 with a 6.00 ERA in four starts.

Bracho pitched very well since being called up in place of Ray, making three straight hitless appearances against the Los Angeles Dodgers over the course of three innings.

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