Atlanta Braves highly talented star has been using Spring Training as an opportunity to fight for a spot in the starting rotation. Once a clutch performer in big games for the Braves and their top draft pick in 2016, the now 26-year-old was taken third overall straight out of high school. Atlanta believed in his potential back then, but nearly a decade later, Anderson’s future with the team is uncertain.
Following a year filled with injuries and setbacks for the Braves’ pitching staff, Anderson didn’t need to be perfect—just good enough to show flashes of his pre-Tommy John form. Unfortunately, this spring hasn’t gone his way. He’s struggled with his control, having trouble finding the strike zone, and overall hasn’t looked like the pitcher the Braves need him to be right now. As a result, his spot in the lineup for March 22 has been given to Bryce Elder.
Ian Anderson has been using this Spring Training to make his case for a spot in the Atlanta Braves’ starting rotation. The 26-year-old right-hander, who was once the team’s top draft pick in 2016, has delivered in key moments for Atlanta before. Selected third overall straight out of high school, Anderson was seen as a future star thanks to his promising arm. But nearly ten years later, his situation looks far less certain.
Following a season marred by injuries and inconsistency across the Braves’ pitching staff, Anderson didn’t need to be dominant this spring—he just needed to show he could get back to something close to his form before undergoing Tommy John surgery. Unfortunately, he’s struggled with control, having a hard time finding the strike zone, and hasn’t performed at the level the Braves are hoping for. As a result, Bryce Elder will take his spot in the lineup on March 22.
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