Anderson, who last played in the MLB in 2022, was the third overall pick in the 2016 draft and started 52 regular-season games for the Braves since his 2020 debut. He earned NL Rookie of the Year votes in both 2020 and 2021.
The newly acquired pitcher, 27, has pitched in 99 MLB games, starting 61. The left-hander has been an average pitcher since his 2019 debut.
At 26, Anderson was competing for the final rotation spot or a bullpen role but struggled with command during Spring Training, issuing 18 walks in 17 innings before today’s game. He pitched three scoreless relief innings today but added two more walks.
Earlier today, the Braves signed reliever Jesse Chavez to a minor league deal. Chavez, who pitched two innings in today’s game, could make the team as a long reliever. Moving on from Anderson suggests AJ Smith-Shawver will begin the season in Atlanta’s rotation.
Anderson held a 22-13 record in the regular season with the Braves but made only 22 starts in 2022 before undergoing Tommy John surgery in April 2023. Though he returned to the minors last season, he did not earn a call-up.
The braves confirmed they have acquired Jose Suarez from the Angels and sent Ian Anderson over to them.
Anderson excelled in the postseason, posting a 4-0 record with a 1.26 ERA in eight starts across 2020 and 2021, striking out 40 in 35.2 innings. His highlight was a dominant Game 3 start in the 2021 World Series, where he threw five shutout innings.
Like Anderson, Suarez is out of minor league options, meaning the Braves must keep him on the 26-man roster or risk losing him. If he makes the Opening Day roster, he would provide left-handed depth and could start if necessary. That seems likely.
Suarez had his best seasons in 2021 and 2022 but has never pitched more than 109 innings in a year. He has struggled over the past two seasons, primarily working from the bullpen.
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