When the Atlanta Braves called-up top prospect Ian Anderson to make his MLB debut back in 2020, there was obviously reason for excitement across the fanbase.
A former first round pick, Anderson was selected by the Braves with the No. 3 overall pick in the2016 MLB Draft, and was considered a consensus Top 100 prospect across baseball throughout his time in the minor leagues from 2016-19. During that span, Anderson also held an ERA under 4.00 each year, and would finally receive his highly-anticipated MLB call-up during the shortened 2020 season.
Once that call happened, Anderson would certainly impress from the start, making six regular season starts to own a 1.95 ERA and 41:14 K:BB ratio across 32.1 IP. Because of these numbers, the right-hander would make the Braves 2020 postseason roster, and went on to continue that success by making four playoff starts during Atlanta's run to the NLCS, allowing only a combined two earned runs across 18.2 IP.
After 2020, Anderson would become a full-time member of the Braves starting rotation, making 24 starts to own a 3.58 ERA and 124:53 K:BB ratio across 128.1 IP. The right-hander would once again become a key part of Atlanta's postseason rotation as well during their 2021 World Series winning run, allowing only three earned runs across 17 IP (four starts).
However, Anderson arguably took a step back in 2022, a year in which he struggled at times with a 5.00 ERA and 97:54 K:BB ratio across his 111.2 IP from 22 starts. After this season, Anderson also made only one start during the 2023 season due to injury, but has since returned to full health where some Braves fans are wondering what could be next for the former top prospect?
Could Ian Anderson rejoin the Atlanta Braves rotation this season?
So far this season, Anderson has made nine different starts across four minor league levels, a majority of which have come with Triple-A Gwinnett. Across those nine combined starts, the right-hander has posted a 3.55 ERA and 33:12 K:BB ratio across 38 IP, as well as a 4.21 ERA across 25.2 IP in Triple-A.
With the right-hander only continuing to be built back up as well, is there any chance that Anderson could return to the big leagues in the next month to help Atlanta make the postseason?
When answering that question, it firstly depends on if the Braves have an opening in the rotation. At the moment, that is not necessarily the case as the spots are secured with Fried, Sale, Lopez, Morton, and Schwellenbach.
Next, should a rotation spot become open, then Anderson would be one of numerous minor league options that the Braves could call on. This includes other options alongside the likes ofAJ Smith-Shawver, Hurston Waldrep, Bryce Elder, and more.
However, when looking toward the postseason, there is one thing that could give Anderson an edge over that group, and this is his playoff experience, as well as success. Since his debut in 2020, the right-hander has made eight career postseason starts, a span in which he owns a 4-0 record with a 1.26 ERA and 40:17 K:BB ratio across 35.2 IP.
Due to the Braves current rotation picture however, it appears that Anderson is stuck in Triple-A at the moment. If he were to continue to pitch well though, could the former top prospect force his way back to Atlanta?