Ian Anderson, once dominant for the Braves before his recent struggles, asserts: ‘I know I can still do it’

NORTH PORT, Fla. – Astros hitters swing and miss at Ian Anderson’s pitches, helplessly watch them cross the plate for strikes, or make weak contact. The crowd at Truist Park erupts after each out during the Braves’ first World Series home game in 26 years. Anderson confidently walks off the mound after the fifth inning as Fox broadcaster Joe Buck summarizes his performance: “Four strikeouts, no hits, against the young right-hander from Atlanta.”

Perhaps you’ve watched that video from World Series Game 3 over the last three-plus years. Anderson has seen it too, but not to figure out how to get back to that form.

“Just how much fun it was,” Anderson said. “I don’t try to dwell on it. What an experience it was for all of us.”

Anderson arrived at spring training declaring he’s ready to be the pitcher who dominated the Astros in that unforgettable game. This is something you’d typically hear from a seasoned veteran trying to regain his form, not a 26-year-old with 52 career starts. But Anderson’s confidence is understandable, as he impressed early in his career but has only been effective intermittently since 2021.

The reality, however, is that the Braves have moved on as Anderson worked his way back from Tommy John surgery at Triple-A Gwinnett last season. He plays in a business that values recent performance and is part of a winning organization that can’t afford to wait.

“We have a standard here that we need to meet, and if you’re not (doing it), they can find other people,” Anderson explained. “That’s a credit to everything they’ve done, and the success we’ve had. We all know what par is and where we need to be.”

“So, yeah, it’s about getting back to that level, and I know I have it. I know it’s in me. I feel like I’m back to that level.”

If that’s true, the Braves rotation could be just as strong as last season. Chris Sale and Spencer Strider will headline the rotation once Strider returns from elbow surgery. Two 2024 starters, Max Fried and Charlie Morton, signed elsewhere. Spencer Schwellenbach performed well as a rookie, but Anderson is among several recent Braves pitchers who’ve struggled to maintain early success.

Anderson is competing to make the rotation in spring training. Manager Brian Snitker said that performance during spring games will influence the decision. Anderson is out of minor-league options, meaning if he isn’t on the big-league roster, he will have to be placed on waivers.

Anderson is determined to earn a spot.

“Compete while staying healthy, something I haven’t done in a long time,” Anderson said. “I know I can still do it. I just need to prove to others that I can.”

It didn’t take long for Anderson, drafted third overall in 2016, to show he had big-league talent. In his MLB debut on August 26, 2020, he limited the Yankees to one run on one hit with six strikeouts. He finished the 2020 season with a 1.95 ERA over six starts. He made 24 starts in 2021 with a 3.58 ERA, followed by a 1.59 ERA in six postseason starts.

But Anderson’s 2022 season was difficult from the start. The Braves gave him time to work through his issues before eventually sending him to Triple-A Gwinnett in August. His 2023 spring training didn’t go well either, and he was sent to Gwinnett after just two weeks in big-league camp.

A month later, Anderson underwent elbow surgery. He began a rehabilitation throwing program before making 10 starts for Gwinnett, posting a 3.96 ERA over 52⅓ innings. Though his results weren’t ideal, Anderson said the experience was beneficial.

“I think those innings I pitched last year will prove valuable later this year,” Anderson reflected. “I didn’t realize how important they were.”

Anderson came to spring training this year after a normal offseason throwing program. During his second live batting practice session on Wednesday, he faced Braves regulars Michael Harris II, Matt Olson, Marcell Ozuna, and Austin Riley. Anderson’s fastball was clocked at 92 mph, slightly below his average in official games in 2021 (94.6 mph) and 2022 (94 mph).

Anderson’s early MLB success was impressive, but what stood out to me then was his poise. He never seemed rattled by pressure situations. Anderson claims he still possesses those qualities, even as his career path has been less steady.