Is it too early to start getting excited for Ian Anderson‘s return to the Braves?
I’m not so sure it is anymore. Yesterday, Anderson made his second rehab start for the Low-A August Green Jackets (fourth total) and was dominant over 3.1 innings, giving up no runs and no hits with five punchouts on 47 pitches. Unfortunately, the outing was shortened due to a rain delay, but it was impressive nonetheless from a guy who could potentially be huge for the Braves down the stretch run.
Before his outing was interrupted by rain in the top of the 4th tonight, #Braves Ian Anderson fired 3.1 innings of no-hit ball with 1 BB and 5 strikeouts on 47 pitches for Low-A @GreenJackets. This was his second start for Augusta on his current rehab assignment.
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) July 6, 2024
In total, Ian Anderson has made four rehab starts, two in the Florida Complex League and two with the August Green Jackets. He’s pitched 11.1 innings and allowed just one run with 13 strikeouts compared to just two walks.
I would imagine Ian Anderson will see a bump up in competition his next time out, probably aiming for somewhere around 60 pitches. The Braves have no need to rush him, especially with the emergence of Spencer Schwellenbach, who looks more than capable of rounding out Atlanta’s rotation.
With that being said, Anderson could potentially provide a huge boost. A club can never have enough pitching, and his success in the postseason cannot be understated. He’s already up there with some of the best playoff pitchers of all-time, boasting a 1.26 ERA over eight postseason starts.
The last time we saw Ian Anderson he didn’t quite look like himself. The injuries had taken a toll and his confidence was completely shot. Tommy John surgery isn’t something you should wish on any pitcher, but in this case, it could be a blessing in disguise, offering him an opportunity to completely reset and find himself. At 26-years-old, I’m not sure we’ve seen the best of what Ian Anderson has to offer just yet.
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Photo: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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