WASHINGTON -- Braves right-handed reliever Peter Moylan received some devastating news when an MRI exam performed on his shoulder Thursday revealed that he has a torn labrum and rotator cuff.

Moylan will miss the remainder of this season and quite possibly at least a portion of the 2012 season. This is a tough development for the 32-year-old reliever, who had made just six appearances since completing the rehab process that followed a surgical procedure that repaired a herniated disc in his back in May.

Dr. James Andrews will examine Moylan on Monday to provide a clearer picture about his future. There is certainly a chance the Braves pitcher will need to undergo a major surgical procedure that could force him to miss a significant portion of the 2012 season.

"We're going to wait to see about the second opinion," Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said when asked if it was assumed Moylan would need to undergo surgery.

An MRI exam performed in January showed some damage to Moylan's rotator cuff and labrum. But the latest exam showed more damage.

Moylan felt discomfort in his shoulder while throwing in the outfield before Tuesday night's game against the Marlins. He had thrown just three pitches while facing just one batter during Monday night's loss to Florida.

"He felt great when he got done with Monday night's game," Gonzalez said. "But he said he felt something clicking the next day."

With Moylan sidelined, the Braves will now give Kris Medlen a chance to fill the vacant spot in the bullpen. Medlen has not appeared in a Major League game this year, as he has been rehabbing from Tommy John surgery.

But he has appeared healthy while making two appearances in instructional league action this week. Medlen could be activated on Saturday or Sunday.

Hudson's cramping 'nothing serious'

WASHINGTON -- Braves ace Tim Hudson seemed to be in complete control until he started cramping and battling dehydration during the sixth inning of Friday night's 7-4 win over the Nationals at Nationals Park.

Hudson exited with two outs in the sixth inning and was taken to a local hospital to receive fluids. He has occasionally battled dehydration and cramping issues in the past. The Braves did not seem concerned about Hudson being able to make his next start.

"It's nothing serious," Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "It's something he has a history with. It was probably a little more humid than we were expecting up here."

Hudson's next start could come in Wednesday's regular-season finale against the Phillies. But if the Braves have clinched the National League Wild Card by that point, his next start would likely come in Game 1 of the NL Division Series.

Gonzalez and head trainer Jeff Porter visited Hudson on the mound after he surrendered a double to Mike Morse in the sixth inning. As he stretched his right arm upward, the veteran pitcher informed them that he was simply being bothered by cramping.

Hudson allowed singles to three of the next four batters he faced before exiting.

"He's running on fumes there and he gave me the evil eye when I went out there to take him out," Gonzalez said. "He wants to pitch and he wants to compete."

Hanson cuts instructional league start short

WASHINGTON -- It appears it was a little too optimistic for the Braves to hope Tommy Hanson might be ready to make at least one potential playoff start.

Hanson threw 41 pitches and completed just two innings before some discomfort around his right scapula forced him to halt his start in an instructional league game Friday. He had been hoping to complete three or four innings.

Hanson has been sidelined since Aug. 6 with right shoulder discomfort that has been diagnosed as normal wear and tear. While the Braves were hoping he might be ready to start a game if they reach the National League Division Series, they knew everything would have to go perfect for him to fulfill this hope.

The Braves have not completely ruled out the possibility of Hanson appearing in Wednesday's regular-season finale against the Phillies if they have already clinched the NL Wild Card. They will first evaluate how he feels after throwing a bullpen session Sunday.

"We told him if at any point, he couldn't do it or felt uncomfortable doing it, we'd shut it down," Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "We're not there yet."

Worth noting

Alex Gonzalez said his strained right calf was feeling better Friday, and it appeared he could have played if necessary. But with the wet conditions at Nationals Park, the Braves opted to allow the veteran shortstop to rest one more day. He exited Tuesday night's game against the Marlins because of the calf ailment. ... Jair Jurrjens completed two pain-free innings in an instructional league game Friday. Jurrjens will not be ready for the National League Division Series. But if the Braves advance to the NL Championship Series, there is at least a chance he could be available.