Ian Anderson had a season to forget in 2022, but he won't let that stop him from making an impact in 2023. After playing a key role on the World Series team in 2021, he struggled to a 5.00 ERA in 22 games started and was eventually demoted to AAA.
Anderson went back to the pitching lab at Wake Forest over the offseason and returned to the clubhouse boasting a new pitch -- a slider -- in his arsenal. The horizontal nature of the pitch could serve as an ideal complement to his vertical changeup and curveball.
Grant McAuley was down in North Port, Florida for the Braves' spring training, and he joined Mark Zinno on Sunday to discuss the progression of the 24-year-old starter ahead of his fourth season.
The progress of Anderson is encouraging, especially considering the fact that he is in the think of a battle with Bryce Elder and Michael Soroka for the fifth spot in the starting rotation.
Grant McAuley discussed that progress, and where the Braves pitching battle stands in the clip above.