Braves Pitching Plans Turned Upside Down: Last Minute Rotation Change Sparks Drama
Atlanta Braves pitcher Ian Anderson has been using Spring Training to fight for his spot on the starting roster. He’s come in clutch for the Braves a time or two in some major games and was their top draft pick back in 2016.
The 26 year-old was selected third overall in the 2016 MLB Draft straight out of high school. The Braves saw potential in the young pitcher’s arm, however, almost a decade later things aren’t quite looking positive for Anderson.
After a season of injury and setbacks for the Braves’ pitching staff Anderson didn’t even have to be at his best. He just had to play well enough to appear that he could possibly play at the level he did before his Tommy John surgery. Unfortunately, this spring Anderson has not been at his best.
He’s struggled with command, finding the strike zone and overall just isn’t the athlete the Braves have needed him to be.
It was revealed that Anderson’s spot in the lineup on March 22 will go to Bryce Elder.
While Anderson is still expected to play one last Grapefruit Leage game before opening day this slight rotation change may be telling.
Giving Elder more time on the mound gives him more time to prove himself worthy of a starting spot. He’s struggled a bit on the mound this spring, much like Anderson. In Elder’s last Grapefruit Leage appearance he allowed five runs in just over two innings. This lineup change gives him a second chance. At this point in the preseason Atlanta isn’t looking for a jaw dropping performance, they’re simply looking for the best mediocre option.
If Elder can outperform Anderson and find himself a spot in the Braves’ starting rotation, the 9 year MLB veteran Ian Anderson may be out of options.
