Former Braves pitcher Tommy Hanson dies at 29

ATLANTA, Nov. 10 (UPI) -- Tommy Hanson, 29, former Atlanta Braves pitcher, died in an Atlanta hospital after falling into a coma.

He was hospitalized Sunday after having difficulty breathing, and died Monday of "catastrophic organ failure," multiple sources said. The cause of his hospitalization wasn't revealed.

Hanson was regarded as a promising starting pitcher as a member of the Braves, posting a 2.89 ERA over 21 starts in his 2009 rookie season. Shoulder issues, which put him on the disabled list in 2011, and a concussion slowed his progress over the next four seasons. He played one more season, in 2013, with the Los Angeles Angels, and had a 49-35 record, with a 3.80 ERA, in his career.

Hanson was born in Tulsa, Okla., and grew up in California, a graduate of Redlands East Valley High School in Redlands, Calif. Drafted by the Braves in 2005, the affable, 6-foot, 6-inch redhead was popular with fans and finished third in 2009 National League balloting for Rookie of the Year.

Former teammates sent condolences by social media, shortstop Andrelton Simmons commenting, "Very sad to hear about Tommy Hanson. Wish his family and close friends a lot of strength. He was a really nice dude."