Despite losing yesterday afternoon, it does feel like the Braves have some positive momentum heading into a critical series with the Los Angeles Angels that they must take advantage of. They are fresh off winning three out of four against the Giants, Michael Harris II is back in the lineup, and Reynaldo Lopez is expected to return within a week.
If that happens, this will be the healthiest the club has been in quite some time, and they have even more reinforcements waiting on the farm if needed. Ian Anderson has been working his way back from Tommy John surgery. The road began in Rookie Ball back in the middle of June. Eventually, he was transferred to Gwinnett on July 20th, where he’s been ever since. There have been some bumps in the road, but he’s coming off his best start since returning, tossing a six-inning gem in which he allowed only three hits and no runs with seven strikeouts.
What a night from Ian Anderson:
6.0 IP | 3 H | 0 R | 2 BB | 7 K pic.twitter.com/bgLteu6FLq
— Gwinnett Stripers (@GoStripers) August 16, 2024
Ian Anderson is now fully stretched out and ready to go at a moment’s notice. His fastball is getting more horizontal movement, and he’s added a slider to his repertoire.
https://twitter.com/RotoClegg/status/1824442093097586854
Expectations should be tempered, considering Ian Anderson hasn’t pitched at the major-league level in two years, but the adjustments he’s made in his return were much-needed, and the time off could be just what the doctor ordered to get his career back on track.
It’s all systems go for the Braves, who can no longer afford to give their best starters extra rest as they are entrenched in a tight race for the final Wild Card spot in the National League. However, given his postseason success — 1.26 ERA over eight starts — the Braves would be wise to see what they have in this new version of Ian Anderson. He could end up being a weapon for this team when they need him most.
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Photo: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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