Former MLB starting pitcher Tommy Hanson passes away

Former MLB starting pitcher Tommy Hanson has passed away at the age of 29.

Tommy Hanson was admitted to a local Atlanta Hospital late Monday night, where it was reported that he was in a coma. Zach Klein of WSB-TV Atlanta first reported the news with a series of tweets late that evening.

Klein later sent out a tweet that had further details regarding the situation.

Unfortunately Hanson’s symptoms were too severe and he sadly passed away late Monday evening.

https://twitter.com/ZachKleinWSB/status/663947845834137600

The 29-year-old former starting pitcher spent five seasons in the majors. He played four seasons in Atlanta with the Braves and was a steady starter until shoulder injuries derailed his career. Hanson was third in the 2009 National League Rookie of the Year voting when he was pitching for the Braves.

Hanson last pitched with the Chicago White Sox’s Triple-A club in 2014, trying to make a comeback to the big leagues, but he was unsuccessful in his comeback as he was stung by the injury bug again.

In May, Hanson signed a minor league deal with the San Francisco Giants but hadn’t been called up to the big league team.

Hanson also spent some time with the Los Angeles Angels in the 2013 season. The Angels sent out a tweet of support for Hanson late Monday night.

The Braves and Giants also tweeted their condolences.

This is very sad news for the MLB community and the sports world in general.