Braves deal Hanson to Angels for Walden

The Atlanta Braves traded a pitcher once considered their top prospect to the Angels on Friday.

Right-hander Tommy Hanson was sent to Los Angeles in exchange for right-handed reliever Jordan Walden, MLB.com reported.

Hanson, 26, posted a 13-10 record with a 4.48 ERA in 31 starts last season. He has dealt with back and shoulder problems since the 2011 season, which might be a reason for a drop in his pitch velocity. He has a career 3.26 ERA

The hard-throwing Walden, 25, posted a 3.46 ERA with 18 walks and 48 strikeouts in 39 innings for the Angels this past season. As the Angels' closer in 2011, he notched 32 saves as a rookie. His fastball has clocked at up to 100 mph.