SARASOTA, Fla. — The Detroit Tigers have released Joel Hanrahan from a minor league contract and said the right-hander will have his second Tommy John surgery on March 18.
Hanrahan had his right elbow ligament replaced in May 2013 while with the Boston Red Sox, when he also had his right flexor tendon repaired. Detroit signed him to a $1 million, one-year contract last May, but he never appeared in a game. The Tigers agreed in November to a minor league contract for $18,000 a month with a provision for a $1 million deal if added to the 40-man roster.
Hanrahan’s fastball averaged 97-98 mph before he got hurt. Manager Brad Ausmus said before Wednesday’s spring training game with the Baltimore Orioles that Hanrahan could have helped the Tigers if he had been healthy.
“He’s going to get the surgery, rehab and reconsider what’s next on his agenda — whether he’s going to try and play again or not,” Ausmus said.
Hanrahan is 22-18 with a 3.85 ERA and 100 saves in seven seasons with the Washington Nationals, Pittsburgh Pirates and Boston.
Thumbnail photo via Tom Szczerbowski/USA TODAY Sports Images
