Former Atlanta Braves’ Top Prospect and WS Hero Working Back From Tommy John Surgery
The Atlanta Braves want to have pitcher Ian Anderson back for the All-Star break as he recovers from Tommy John surgery performed early in 2023.
Anderson is in the long-toss rehab phase, which involves firm throws from 120 feet in four sessions per week, and he still has a lot of work to do. However, about 11 months into his rehab, he is exactly where he and the Braves anticipated he would be. Things could pick up quickly if he starts throwing off a mound.
Anderson claimed he has significantly adjusted his signature straight-over-the-top pitching action and is utilizing his legs more to reduce stress on his arm. He isn’t getting ahead of himself and rushing back. He’s taken things at a cautious pace as recommended by the Braves, and he doesn’t want to mess up after coming this far in rehab without incident.
Even if Anderson is ready to return, he may need to start in Triple-A. Anderson’s career declined dramatically in 2022, following a promising start in 2020 and 2021. The Braves have a deep rotation that includes Max Fried, Spencer Strider, Chris Sale, and Charlie Morton, and depending on how things go with the No. 5 spot and pitcher health, Anderson may not be needed immediately at the major league level.
