Tommy Hanson Not Sharp Looking for a Rotation Spot

Mar 22, 2014; Surprise, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers pitcher Tommy Hanson (19) pitches against the Kansas City Royals at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The top three pitchers in the Texas Rangers starting rotation are set, but with only eight days to go there are still two spots open. Tommy Hanson is desperately hoping to grab one of the two remaining spots, but did absolutely nothing to help himself in his start yesterday against the Royals. Tommy Hanson allowed 7 runs on 7 hits and three walks in 5.2 innings of work.

“It’s never a great time to go out and have that kind of performance,” Hanson said to reporters after the game. “The spring is coming to an end. I wish I pitched better. I wish I got my pitches down. I’ve just got to keep working.” texasrangers.com

Hanson is right about that. With opening day right around the corner, this was Tommy Hanson’s last real chance to impress the brass before the rotation is finally set this week. Robbie Ross, Joe Saunders and even Colby Lewis are still in the mix for those last two spots, and Tommy Hanson is technically still in that mix as well. Hanson could also win a bull-pen spot if he does not win a starters role, as the Texas Rangers have already lost Tanner Scheppers from the pen and thoughts are that Robbie Ross will also win a starters role before too long.

The Texas Rangers picked up Tommy Hanson hoping that he could return to his former glory days while pitching in Atlanta, but that does not appear to be happening. Hanson is probably not going to make the rotation if I had to guess, but I think he will make this team. The pitching depth at the major league level needs a guy with his experience, if he can get outs. He should get one more chance to prove if he can or not.