Hanson Makes His Debut Today
Former Atlanta Braves standout Tommy Hanson was signed by the Chicago White Sox on April 8 and sent to Arizona for extended spring training. It was the first time Hanson pitched since spring training this year, where he was under contract with the Texas Rangers. After posting a 6.43 Cactus League ERA over 14 innings, however, the Ranger
s released Hanson. In all, he made four appearances (two starts) with the Rangers this spring.
On Saturday, April 20, the Charlotte Knights received Hanson from extended spring training in Arizona and the 27-year-old righty reported to Gwinnett to join his new team — in his old stomping grounds.
During Gwinnett’s first season in existence (2009) — Hanson posted a 3–3 mark with a 1.49 ERA in 11 starts before making his Atlanta Braves debut on June 7 as a 22-year-old rookie. In his first start with the G-Braves, Hanson pitched against the Charlotte Knights at Knights Stadium on April 9 and allowed just three hits over 4.1 scoreless innings. He struck-out 10 batters that day. He faced the Knights one more time that year (April 24 at Coolray Field) and allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits over six innings in a loss. He struck-out a combined 16 Knights in 10.1 IP in 2009.
In 21 starts with the Atlanta Braves that season, he posted an 11–4 record with a 2.89 ERA. Hanson, 27, has spent the past five seasons in the majors — four of those with Atlanta. The Tulsa, Oklahoma-born right-hander was drafted by the Braves in the 22nd round of the 2005 draft.
In four seasons with Atlanta, Hanson compiled a 45–32 mark with a 3.61 ERA in 108 starts (635.0 innings pitched). He won a season-high 13 games with the Braves in 2012 — going 13–10 with a 4.48 ERA in 31 starts (174.2 innings pitched).
Last season, Hanson appeared in 15 games (13 starts) for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and went 4–3 with a 5.42 ERA in 73.0 innings pitched.
Hanson and the Knights will face former Knights RHP Zach Stewart, who will head to the mound for Gwinnett today. Stewart won the final game in Knights Stadium history on September 2, 2013.
Pre-game radio coverage of Sunday’s 2:05 p.m. game starts at 1:50 p.m. on ESPN Radio 730 AM and WRHI 1340 AM and 94.3 FM. The “Voice of the Charlotte Knights” Matt Swierad will have the call for all of the action.
LISTEN LIVE starting at 1:50 PM today!
