Former Brave Tommy Hanson Makes Sunday Start For Charlotte Knights

Feb 25, 2014; Surprise, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers pitcher Tommy Hanson poses for a portrait during photo day at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Former Alanta Braves right-hander, Tommy Hanson will make a Sunday start against his old team, the Gwinette Braves. Hanson signed with the Triple AAA Knights after a horrible season with the Anaheim Angles, and a brief cup of coffee with the Texas Rangers. Hanson’s former Atlanta Braves  teammate Mike Minor, who is on a rehab assignment, beat the Knights on Saturday night 9-6.

The 27 year-old Tommy Hanson was drafted by the Braves in the 22nd round of the 2005 Amateur Draft, and went 45 and 32 in four years with Atlanta before being traded to the Angles last year. Problems with his forearm, and tendonitis netted him a 4 and 3 season with an era of 5.42.

Hanson’s era had been rising every year since his first season in Atlanta where he pitched at a 2.89 level. Some say he has lost velocity on his fastball, and the potent slider he once threw is failing to bite like it used to.

2014 saw an invitation to make the roster with the Texas Rangers, but after looking at him in spring training, Nolan Ryan thought the $2 Million Dollar price tag was a little hefty for what he was getting. Hanson signed a Triple A contract with the Chicago White Sox, and the rest they say is history.

Hanson will face former Knights right-hander Zach Stewart when he takes the mound on Sunday. The Knights are currently 6 and 10 and in third place in the International League, South Division.