Braves’ Ian Anderson Takes Promising Step Forward in Quest for MLB Comeback
Ian Anderson, the Atlanta Braves right-hander, showcased a glimmer of hope in his latest outing for Double-A Columbus. His performance on Sunday marked a potential turning point in his journey back to the major leagues.
Solid Start with Room for Improvement
In his latest start, Anderson pitched four innings, allowing two runs on three hits, while striking out five batters and issuing no walks. The two runs came during a challenging fifth inning, when he surrendered a two-run home run, leading to an early exit. His pitch count climbed to 66, a noticeable increase from the 57 pitches thrown in his first outing since returning.
Despite the runs allowed, there were significant positives to take away from the start. Anderson demonstrated control and resilience, pitching four scoreless innings before hitting a rough patch. This performance counters the narrative that he struggled, highlighting a step in the right direction as he aims to regain his footing in the Braves’ rotation. Over two starts this season, he has given up four runs—three of them earned—in six innings pitched.
Navigating the Road Ahead
Looking forward, the Braves’ strategy appears centered on monitoring Anderson’s progress in Columbus before making decisions about his future. His trajectory has been tumultuous. Initially poised to rejoin the Braves’ rotation at the beginning of the season, Anderson faced command issues that led to his trade to the Los Angeles Angels at the end of March. Unfortunately, his time in Anaheim was less than stellar, as he allowed 12 earned runs over 9 1/3 innings pitched, resulting in a staggering 11.57 ERA across seven appearances. Following his designation for assignment on April 23, the Braves reclaimed him on April 27, sending him to Gwinnett.
A Promising Past and a Challenging Present
Anderson’s path has been anything but straightforward. Once a key figure in the Braves’ rotation during their 2021 World Series championship run, he compiled a remarkable 1.59 ERA in four postseason starts that year, including a standout scoreless performance in Game 3 of the World Series in Atlanta. His regular-season stats with the Braves reflect his potential, boasting a 3.97 ERA across 272 1/3 innings in 52 career starts.
However, the journey has been marred by setbacks. Anderson missed nearly the entirety of the 2023 season and the early part of 2024 while recovering from Tommy John surgery to repair a torn UCL. Upon his return last season, he posted a respectable 3.96 ERA in 10 starts with Triple-A Gwinnett, but that success has yet to manifest this season.
Conclusion
As Anderson continues to hone his skills and regain confidence in Double-A, the Braves will be watching closely. His recent performance, while not without its hiccups, signals a potential resurgence for a pitcher once heralded as a cornerstone of the Braves’ future. The road to recovery is long, but with each outing, Anderson is inching closer to reclaiming his place in Major League Baseball.
