Former Braves pitcher Tommy Hanson dead at 29
Former Atlanta Braves pitcher Tommy Hanson has died. He was 29.
A former Braves player confirmed Hanson’s death to SI.com. He requested anonymity because he’s not authorized to speak for the family. A Braves representative told MLB.com’s Mark Bowman that some of Hanson’s ex-teammates were near Hanson when he died Monday night.
Zach Klein of WSB-TV first reported the news that Hanson had died. Klein reported earlier Monday that Hanson was in a coma at an Atlanta hospital.
Hanson, once considered a top pitching prospect, made his major league debut with the Braves in 2009, going 11–4 with a 2.89 ERA in 21 starts. After three solid seasons in Atlanta, he posted a 4.48 ERA in 2012, and was placed on the disabled list with a lower back strain.
He was then traded to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in exchange for reliever Jordan Walden the following off-season. He had a career-worst 5.42 ERA in 13 starts in 2013 and was released after the season.
He then spent time with the Rangers and White Sox, and most recently pitched in the minor leagues for the San Francisco Giants before his removal from the 40-man roster last week.
- Mike Harris and Kenny Ducey
