Lakeland, FL (SportsNetwork.com) - The Detroit Tigers have released pitcher Joel Hanrahan, who will undergo a second Tommy John procedure in less than two years.
Hanrahan signed with the Tigers last May while he was recovering from the elbow reconstruction surgery performed in May 2013, but the right-hander never appeared in a game for Detroit. He had soreness in the elbow during throwing sessions last summer and again last month.
After further exams, it was determined he needed another operation on the elbow. It has been scheduled for March 18 in Texas.
Hanrahan signed with the Boston Red Sox as a free agent in 2013 after two solid seasons as a closer for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He converted 76 saves in 84 opportunities during the 2011 and 2012 seasons with Pittsburgh, earning All-Star nods each year.
However, he struggled in his short time in Boston, appearing in just nine games while posting a record of 0-1 with four saves and a 9.82 ERA before being diagnosed with the torn ulnar collateral ligament.
Hanrahan owns a career record of 22-18 with 100 saves and a 3.85 ERA in 362 games, all but 11 as a reliever, during a seven-year career with Boston, Pittsburgh and Washington.
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