Atlanta, GA (Sports Network) - The Atlanta Braves have reportedly traded pitcher Tommy Hanson to the LA Angels of Anaheim in exchange for pitcher Jordan Walden.

According to the Atlanta-Journal Constitution, the Braves made the deal in an effort to free up money to pursue a left fielder through free agency.

Hanson has spent four seasons with the Braves and owns a career record of 45-32 with a 3.61 ERA in 108 starts. He was 13-10 with a 4.48 ERA in 31 outings last year.

The 26-year-old right-hander will help the Angels' rotation, which is set to lose Dan Haren and Zack Greinke through free agency.

Walden served as the Angels' closer in 2011, posting 32 saves in 42 chances while pitching to an ERA of 2.98 and a record of 5-5. He was primarily a setup man last year while dealing with arm issues and was 3-2 with a 3.46 ERA in 45 games.

The 25-year-old right-hander owns a career mark of 8-8 with 34 saves and a 3.06 ERA in 123 games -- all with the Angels.

Earlier this week, the Angels signed Ryan Madson to be their closer for 2013.

The Sports Network