UPDATE: Hanson may have died from an overdose, according to an initial police report, but the toxicology report could take several weeks, reports David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
-----
The MLB was delivered sad news on Monday night. Former big league pitcher Tommy Hanson, who played five MLB seasons with the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Angels, passed away at the age of 29.
Zach Klein of WSB-TV in Atlanta broke the news of Hanson being in the hospital last night.
"Multiple sources told Channel 2 Sports Director Zach Klein earlier in the day Monday that Hanson was in a coma after being moved to Atlanta's Piedmont Hospital late Monday morning due to catastrophic organ failure.
"Hanson was moved to Piedmont so doctors could run a variety of tests to determine why his organs failed.
"The source said Hanson's problems started early Sunday morning and Hanson was then rushed to a nearby hospital after he started having trouble breathing."
Hanson was a highly touted prospect, as evidenced by his impressive rookie campaign (11-4, 2.89 ERA in 21 starts).
The right-hander began his career with three solid seasons in Atlanta. He went 32-22 with a 3.28 ERA in his first 77 starts, but shoulder and back injuries affected his ability to pitch in his final two MLB seasons.
His career in the MLB ended after the 2013 season. He went 4-3 with a 5.42 ERA in 15 games (13 starts) with the Angels. He was limited that year with a forearm strain and struggled when he was demoted to the minors late in the season.
He signed a minor league deal with the San Francisco Giants this past May (and attempted previous comebacks), but did not make it back to the MLB.
The Braves released a statement on Hanson's behalf this morning.
The Braves are deeply saddened by the loss of Tommy Hanson. Statement from Braves President John Schuerholz: pic.twitter.com/WenVe9iwnV
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) November 10, 2015
Hanson was remembered across the MLB as well.
Thoughts & prayers go out to family, friends & fans of Tommy Hanson as @MLB_Players saddened by the loss of a member of our fraternity.
— MLBPA (@MLB_PLAYERS) November 10, 2015
The Nationals send our deepest condolences to the family, friends and teammates of Tommy Hanson.
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) November 10, 2015
Very sad to hear about Tommy Hanson. Wish his family and close friends a lot of strength. He was a really nice dude. :/
— Andrelton Simmons (@Andrelton) November 10, 2015
Thoughts and prayers to the family of Tommy Hanson. Great guy and competitor. RIP
— Josh Reddick (@RealJoshReddick) November 10, 2015
Hanson pitched in 123 career games and went 49-35 while maintaining a 3.80 ERA.
