Ian Anderson DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Ian Anderson has been traded to the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday. The right-hander has posted a strong 2.25 ERA across 20 innings of work this spring. However, Anderson has experienced trouble with his command considering he has walked 18 batters heading into Sunday's game. It's unclear if the Angels plan to use him in the rotation or send him to the bullpen until he's able to get his command under control. In exchange for Anderson, the Braves will receive left-hander Jose Suarez. The southpaw posted good numbers in 2021 and 2022. After that, Suarez completely fell apart, but it'll be good deal for Atlanta if they can get Suarez back on track.

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Ian Anderson completed a live bullpen session on Wednesday. The right-hander's fastball sat around 92-93 mph. In 2021, his fastball averaged a slightly higher 94.6 mph. Anderson has battled numerous injuries over the past two seasons, including Tommy John. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during spring training as he could contend for a spot in the rotation with Spencer Strider (elbow) set to miss the first month. Last season, Anderson spent most of his campaign with Triple-A, holding a 3.96 ERA and a 1.43 WHIP across 52 1/3 innings of work. He struck out 53 batters. He last appeared in the majors during the 2022 campaign, where he held a career-worst 5.00 ERA and a 1.51 WHIP. The former top prospect performed well during his first two MLB seasons, holding a 3.25 ERA and 1.20 WHIP. He will likely compete for the final spot in the rotation alongside AJ Smith-Shawver, Hurston Waldrep, and Bryce Elder.

Atlanta Braves right-handers Ian Anderson, AJ Smith-Shawver and Bryce Elder are all candidates to start Game 1 of the wild-card series against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on Tuesday. Anderson has some of the best postseason numbers of all time, but he hasn't pitched in the big leagues since 2022. The Braves may wait as long as possible to announce their starter against the Padres. Anderson has a 1.26 ERA in 35 2/3 innings pitched in the postseason, including a 1.04 WHIP with 40 strikeouts and 17 walks, but he'd be a pretty big dice role for Atlanta to kick off the three-game series. In 15 minor-league stops at four different levels this year, he had a 3.44 ERA and 1.28 WHIP with 68 strikeouts and 29 walks in 68 innings. Smith-Shawver made just one start for Atlanta this year and has six starts since debuting in 2023. Elder was an All-Star in 2023 but had an ERA over 6.00 in his 10 starts this year.