Let’s talk about Ian Anderson—because if you’re keeping up with the Atlanta Braves Spring Training, this is one of the most intriguing storylines for the team right now.
It’s been a long road back for the right-hander, but based on his latest live batting practice session, he’s making a real case to reclaim a spot in Atlanta’s rotation.
A Solid Spring Training Showing
Anderson took the mound Wednesday for his second live BP of the spring, and it was a solid showing. He faced some of the Braves’ best hitters—Matt Olson, Michael Harris II, Marcell Ozuna, and Austin Riley.
According to The Athletic’s David O’Brien, Olson and Harris didn’t have much success against him, while Ozuna managed one hard-hit ball.
Riley, meanwhile, got a little revenge by driving one into the right-field corner, something that likely would’ve gone for extra bases in a real game. But overall, Anderson looked sharp.
The most encouraging sign? His fastball velocity. According to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman, he sat around 92-93 mph, which aligns with where he was in 2021 (when he averaged 94.1 mph).
Considering he’s still early in the ramp-up process, there’s a chance he could add another tick or two as he gets fully stretched out.
And that’s huge—because command and velocity were two things that went missing before everything unraveled in 2022.
A Look Back at Anderson’s Career
Now, let’s take a step back. Anderson was the guy during the Braves’ 2021 World Series run. In his first 30 big-league starts, he had a 3.25 ERA and was striking out a batter per inning.
More importantly, he was a postseason weapon—posting a ridiculous 1.59 ERA in four starts. Those starts included a dominant, scoreless outing in the World Series. He was supposed to be a long-term fixture in the rotation.
Then, the struggles hit. The command disappeared. The velocity dipped. He got sent down in 2022, and before he had a chance to turn things around, he tore his UCL and had to undergo Tommy John surgery in early 2023. It’s been nearly two years since he last pitched in the majors.
A Make-or-Break Opportunity With the Braves
That’s what makes this spring so important. The Braves aren’t giving him a long leash—he’s out of minor-league options, so this is essentially a make-or-break stretch.
With Spencer Strider sidelined, Anderson can open the season in the rotation alongside Grant Holmes. But once Strider returns, one of those two is going to have to move—either to the bullpen or, if things don’t go well, possibly out of the organization. The Braves aren’t expected to use a six-man rotation, so every start will matter.
The good news? Anderson finished last season at Triple-A on a high note. After a shaky start, he posted a 3.03 ERA over his final six starts, including a 2.11 ERA over his last three. That’s the type of momentum he needs to build on.
It’s early, but so far, he’s looking strong. The command is there. The velocity is there. If he keeps this up, he’s got a real shot at proving he still belongs in Atlanta’s rotation.
