CHICAGO – Rotation help could be on the way soon for the Chicago White Sox as right-hander Tommy Hanson was assigned to Triple-A Charlotte on Saturday.
The move comes a day after right-hander Felipe Paulino was roughed up in the White Sox’s 12-0 defeat at Texas. Paulino, who has struggled in four big league starts this season, gave up 10 runs on 13 hits in just 3 2/3 innings against the Rangers and was up in the strike zone for most of his 103 pitches.
Hanson, who was signed to a minor-league contract by the White Sox on April 8, has spent each of the past five seasons in the major leagues. The 27-year old was with the Atlanta Braves for his first four seasons before pitching for the Los Angeles Angels last year.
Hanson went 11-4 with a 3.50 ERA for the Braves in his rookie season of 2009 and delivered a 3.31 ERA in 34 starts the following season. But his ERA has been on the rise ever since them with arm issues that have led to a reduction in velocity. With the Angels last year he was 4-3 with a 5.42 ERA in 15 outings (13 starts).
Since he was signed, Hanson has spent time at extended spring training in Arizona. His first start with Charlotte has not been determined. Scott Carroll, who has not allowed a run after three starts, is on the mound Saturday for the Knights in their game at Gwinnett.
