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The Los Angeles Angels swapped pitchers with the Atlanta Braves on Friday. The Angels sent relief pitcher Jordan Walden to Atlanta in exchange for starter Tommy Hanson.
Hanson, 26, has been a starting pitcher for the Braves since 2009. He has a career record of 45-32 with a 3.61 ERA. Last season was his worst in the majors with a 13-10 record, 4.48 ERA and 1.454 WHIP with 161 strikeouts in 174.2 innings of work. When Hanson made his major league debut with the Braves he was considered their top prospect, but he has seen his numbers slip each year.
Walden, 25, made his major league debut with the Angels in 2005. He has a career 8-8 record with a 3.06 ERA, a 1.291 WHIP, and 34 saves. In 2011 he was an All-Star and finished the season with 32 saves. Last season he struck out 48 batters in 39.0 innings of work, but lost out on the closer's role.