Braves Ship Hanson To Angels For Walden
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Brian D. Kersey/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — The Atlanta Braves have shipped starting pitcher Tommy Hanson to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for reliever Jordan Walden.
The 26-year-old Hanson had a career record of 45-32 with a 3.61 ERA in four seasons with the Braves. He was once regarded by the team as a future ace of their pitching staff, but he has been bothered by shoulder problems and a severe decline in his velocity.
The Braves also cited starting pitching depth as a reason for trading the right-handed Hanson.
Acquiring Hanson provides the Angels with much-needed depth in their rotation. He will fall in line behind ace Jered Weaver and C.J. Wilson. The Angels traded Ervin Santana to the Royals and decided not to pick up the contract option on Dan Haren.
Walden became expendable to the Angels after they signed free-agent closer Ryan Madson to a one-year deal earlier this week. He joins Craig Kimbrel, Jonny Venters, and Eric O’Flaherty in a loaded Braves bullpen.
Walden, like Hanson, has been sidetracked by injuries and issues with pitching mechanics. His average fastball velocity dipped from 98.8 mph in 2010 to 96.3 mph in 2012
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