Joel Hanrahan will soon take another step toward returning to Major League Baseball.
Hanrahan, whose 2013 season with the Boston Red Sox ended in May because of Tommy John surgery, is expected to showcase for teams within a couple of weeks, an industry source told the New York Daily News’ Kristie Ackert. The New York Mets reportedly are expected to be among several teams watching closely.
It’s unclear whether the Red Sox, who didn’t re-sign Hanrahan over the offseason, will check out the reliever’s upcoming throwing session. The Red Sox currently have plenty of pitching depth, though, so it’s reasonable to think the organization has moved on from the 32-year-old, who struggled mightily during his brief Boston tenure.
Hanrahan, a two-time All-Star, saved 76 games with the Pittsburgh Pirates between 2011 and 2012, prompting the Red Sox to trade for the right-hander before the 2013 season. Hanrahan made just nine appearances and posted a 9.82 ERA over 7 1/3 innings last season before going down with an injury.
