The Atlanta Braves are in a bit of a bind right now, and it’s not exactly a secret. With Reynaldo López shelved until at least midseason and Spencer Strider nursing a hamstring issue, Atlanta’s pitching depth has officially hit critical mass.
At this point in the baseball calendar, you’re not going to find some magic trade partner willing to hand over a stud arm, and the free agent market? Forget about it. That leaves one unglamorous, often desperate option: picking through the waiver wire and hoping to strike lightning in a bottle.
Braves Bring Back a Familiar Face in Ian Anderson
While teams are still busy finalizing their early season rosters, there are always a few intriguing cast-offs floating around, and wouldn’t you know it, Ian Anderson popped loose.
After a short-lived stint with the Angels, where he was traded for Jose Suarez in a move that both sides probably regret, Anderson found himself designated for assignment. Facing a dry well of pitching options, Atlanta decided to pounce and claim their former first-rounder back off waivers.
The move makes sense when you consider it in a vacuum. Atlanta desperately needs arms, and Anderson, while no longer the guy who was dazzling in October a few years back, at least knows the organization. He knows the expectations and can give you a few innings here and there.
He’s a plug-and-play option against weaker teams like, say, the Rockies. This is a series where the Braves just need someone to keep them in the game without blowing it open.
Atlanta’s Long History of Reuniting With Old Friends
It’s hard not to chuckle at how often Braves players find their way back home. Craig Kimbrel’s return has been brewing, Jorge Soler made his way back not too long ago, and Jesse Chavez seems to have a permanent boomerang attached to his locker.
Now add Ian Anderson to the growing list. It’s almost like Atlanta just can’t quit some of these guys. Or, maybe they just know who fits their clubhouse vibe and aren’t afraid to roll the dice on a reunion when needed.
A Final Shot at Sticking in the Big Leagues
For Ian Anderson, this could very well be the last stand. After getting traded and then DFA’d all in the span of a few months, he’s running out of chances.
If he pitches well, there’s absolutely a path for him to carve out a role for himself on this battered pitching staff. But if he stumbles? Don’t be surprised if Atlanta pulls the plug fast. They will DFA him again, and leave him to either accept a minor league assignment or try his luck elsewhere—again.
The bottom line is that the Braves need arms, Anderson needs innings, and they need each other for now. Whether that partnership lasts more than a few weeks? Well, that’s up to Ian Anderson.
