Tommy Hanson’s next start will be with the Angels, manager Mike Scioscia said Monday.
Hanson threw a five-inning, 75-pitch simulated game last Saturday in Arizona. The right-hander has been on the restricted list since May 10 as he deals with the aftermath of his stepbrother’s death. But with Hanson coming back, it could put additional pressure on Tuesday’s starter, Joe Blanton.
Blanton signed a one-year, $3.725 million contract in the off-season but has done little to justify keeping his spot in the rotation. The right-hander is 1-7 with a 6.19 earned-run average; his loss total and ERA rank second and third from the bottom of the American League, respectively.
Jerome Williams began the season in the Angels’ bullpen but has gone 3-1 with a 3.19 earned-run average as a starter. Williams’ next turn in the rotation is Friday against the Houston Astros.