Lakeland, FL (SportsNetwork.com) – The Detroit Tigers have released pitcher
Joel Hanrahan, who will undergo a second Tommy John procedure in less than two
years.
Hanrahan signed with the Tigers last May while he was recovering from the
elbow reconstruction surgery performed in May 2013, but the right-hander never
appeared in a game for Detroit. He had soreness in the elbow during throwing
sessions last summer and again last month.
After further exams, it was determined he needed another operation on the
elbow. It has been scheduled for March 18 in Texas.
Hanrahan signed with the Boston Red Sox as a free agent in 2013 after two
solid seasons as a closer for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He converted 76 saves in
84 opportunities during the 2011 and 2012 seasons with Pittsburgh, earning
All-Star nods each year.
However, he struggled in his short time in Boston, appearing in just nine
games while posting a record of 0-1 with four saves and a 9.82 ERA before
being diagnosed with the torn ulnar collateral ligament.
Hanrahan owns a career record of 22-18 with 100 saves and a 3.85 ERA in 362
games, all but 11 as a reliever, during a seven-year career with Boston,
Pittsburgh and Washington.
