Struggles Continue For Atlanta Braves' Tommy Hanson

ATLANTA, Ga -- Atlanta Braves' right-hander Tommy Hanson (7-5) is willing to admit that his last two starts have not exactly gone as planned.

After his latest rough outing which saw him last only 3 2/3 innings for the second consecutive start, Hanson had no trouble putting his frustrations into words as the Braves were unable to complete the sweep of the Detroit Tigers, losing 10-4 Sunday afternoon.

"It's pretty frustrating," said Hanson postgame. "I don’t think I’ve ever had two starts like this back-to-back, where I’ve struggled like this. It’s definitely not fun. It’s not a good feeling. Today would have been a perfect day to go out and sweep a good team like the Tigers."

This is the second time this season that Hanson has allowed at least five runs or more in consecutive starts. After getting torched for nine runs (all earned) on 13 hits without recording a strikeout in his previous start against the White Sox, he surrendered six runs (five earned) on eight hits while striking out four against Detroit.

The other occasion this season where Hanson allowed five or more runs in consecutive starts were back-to-back appearances against the Arizona Diamondbacks and Cincinnati Reds.

Hanson has seen his ERA take a serious hit as it has risen over a full run -- from 3.38 to 4.50 -- over the course of his last two starts.

The always supportive Braves' manager Bobby Cox doesn't believe Hanson's struggles are coming as a result of poor mechanics, but rather a combination of bad luck and poor location.

"His mechanics are exactly like they’ve always been," said the venerable Cox. "Nothing new there. He could have had better luck in the one inning where they scored five.

"He gave up a little single to (Johnny) Damon. We thought we had (Miguel) Cabrera struck out twice, and that changes the whole inning... instead of getting one they end up with five."

Considered one of the top young pitchers in all of baseball, the Braves' players are also a bit miffed at the uncharacteristic struggles that seem to have plagued Hanson of late.

"I don’t know what’s going on," said veteran third-baseman Chipper Jones. "He must be really struggling with his mechanics, release point, whatever. But it’s up to him and [pitching coach Roger McDowell] to get it ironed out."

Braves' second-baseman Martin Prado believes Hanson may be battling issues with his confidence.

"It happens," said Prado. "I think he lost a little bit of his confidence in his last two games, but I don’t have any doubts about his ability and his stuff. He’s one of the best young pitchers we have. He’s going to be fine."

The Braves' rotation figures to get a boost on Wednesday night when righty Jair Jurrjens is expected to make his long-awaited return from a near two-month stint on the disabled list with shoulder and hamstring problems.

Jurjjens is winless in his five starts this season (0-3) with a 6.38 ERA. Either Kenshin Kawakimi or Kris Medlen is expected to be moved to a bullpen role to make room.

Yesterday's defeat coupled with the New York Mets' victory over the visiting Minnesota Twins shrunk Atlanta's lead to only a half-game over New York for first place.

The Braves realize the importance of the rotation being strong down the finish if they are to stay in contention for the NL East divisional crown after a five-year absence from the playoffs.

Said Jones, "We can’t string out the bullpen and get them tired. Hopefully his worst starts are behind him and we’ll see the Tommy of last year."