Anderson To Return To Braves Lineup Tonight
By Staff
Atlanta Braves left fielder Garret Anderson will make his return to the lineup tonight against the division-rival New York Mets.
Depending on how you want to look at it, Anderson’s arrival is either exciting news or just another reason to wonder if an aging veteran can provide a spark-plug for an otherwise anemic offense.
After all, Anderson has made just six starts in an Atlanta uniform after signing a one year, $2.5 million contract this past February. In that time, he is hitting just .238 (5-for-21) with three extra-base hits and ZERO RBIs — and that’s are supposed cleanup hitter.
Anderson hasn’t faced live Major League pitching since April 19 when he strained his quadriceps muscle and declined the option of rehabbing in the minors — a decision he has been criticized for mightily by members of the media. Before his most recent injury, Anderson had missed a majority of Spring Training with a strained right calf that limited his at-bats when the regular season started in early April.
The 36-year old outfielder has told reporters that he is confident he can stay healthy and be productive in the middle of the Braves lineup.
I guess we will see if he makes the difference Atlanta so desperately needs starting tonight.
NOTE: Outfielder Brandon Jones was optioned to AAA Gwinnett to make room for Anderson’s return.