ATLANTA — Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez says he's still hoping right-hander Tommy Hanson can return to the Atlanta rotation next month.

An MRI on Friday showed a small tear in Hanson's right rotator cuff that won't require surgery. Hanson met with Dr. James Andrews on Monday and says he has been told he has "normal wear and tear" in the shoulder.

Hanson has been on the disabled list since Aug. 7 and says he has been cleared to start rehabbing.

Gonzalez says he remains optimistic because the MRI showed "nothing crazy."

Hanson was one of the Braves' top starters in the first half of the season. He is 11-7 with a 3.60 ERA but is only 1-3 with an 8.10 ERA in five starts since the All-Star break.