Performance Against the Marlins
Atlanta Braves pitcher Ian Anderson delivered a scoreless 3⅓ innings against the Miami Marlins, allowing just one hit while registering four strikeouts. Despite the solid outing, he battled with his command, issuing four walks, hitting a batter, and only throwing 46% of his pitches for strikes. These issues have made his spring training performance a mixed bag.
Mixed Statistics in Spring Training
Across three starts totaling eight innings, Anderson has maintained an impressive 1.13 ERA and held hitters to a .080 average. However, a 1.38 WHIP—stemming from nine walks and one hit-by-pitch—reveals underlying challenges. One bright note in his performance is his fastball, which consistently clocks between 92 and 94 mph, underscoring that his raw stuff remains at a high level despite ongoing placement problems.
Looking Ahead to the Regular Season
With three weeks left in spring training, Anderson has ample time to tighten his command before regular season action intensifies. Sources close to the club informed that his performance could secure a spot in the rotation alongside Grant Holmes if improvements are made. Alternatively, a role out of the bullpen might suit him if he continues to struggle with control. The 26-year-old, known for his pivotal role in the 2021 World Series victory, is eager to re-establish himself after missing significant time due to Tommy John surgery and a subsequent stint in Triple-A. His recent work at the minor league level, where his metrics steadily improved in his final starts, indicates he is on the right track and poised to make an impact as the season unfolds.
