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The Indianapolis Indians have announced that Alen Hanson has been named the International League Player of the Month for May. It's the first time an Indianapolis player has won the award since May 2005, when it went to Zach Duke.
Hanson hit .302/.403/.595 for the month. There's very little to dislike about his offensive performance -- he hit for terrific power and drew 10 walks, and he even stole seven bases.
It's been quite a turnaround for Hanson, who hit .234/.289/.260 in April. Who knows what percent of his improvement is sustainable, but Hanson is only 22 and has a top prospect pedigree, so it could represent the start of a real breakout. If so, it's a good time for it -- Hanson hasn't had a really big offensive season since 2012 in West Virginia. If he has another month or two like the one he just had, he'll be a candidate to be promoted, even though there isn't an obvious spot for him in Pittsburgh right now.