The Atlanta Braves are leading their division but have not nearly lived up to their potential this season, and the biggest issue has been their starting rotation. Insert Ian Anderson, the Braves top pitching prospect, who will make his debut on Tuesday.
Anderson was selected third overall out of high school just outside New York’s capital city, and he has faired well since. His fastball runs up to 96 with a good amount of run and even some sink to it. This combination of velocity and movement gives it plus potential while sitting just above-average currently.
The best offering for Anderson may be his big 12-6 curve that is a true swing and miss pitch. It sits high 70s and he is not afraid to double up on the pitch to help keep hitters off-balance. His change is much better than you often see from a 22-year old righty, and could flirt with plus in the future, but definitely be an above-average pitch.
All three are at least big league average offerings currently, although the command is a bit of a concern. The arm slot is very high, and the front leg can be stiff at times, causing him to miss up in the zone, which resulted in an uptick in long balls a season ago. If he can manage the north-south command and utilize his advanced off-speed offering well, he should stick in the rotation for the rest of the season and be a quality number three in future seasons.
THREE QUARTER SLOT 