Atlanta Braves Option Starter Competing For Fifth Rotation Spot

Well, that's a disappointment.

Starter Ian Anderson entered camp as a favorite to claim the fifth and final spot in the Atlanta Braves' rotation, but he's clearly been outpitched by Jared Shuster, leading to the Braves optioning Anderson to Triple-A Gwinnett.

The #Braves today optioned RHP Ian Anderson and RHP Bryce Elder to Triple-A Gwinnett. Atlanta now has 50 total players in camp.

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) March 14, 2023

Atlanta still needs a fifth starter to open the season, and it appears that role will go to either Shuster or Dylan Dodd.

After posting a solid 3.25 ERA in 30 starts over his first two seasons, Anderson struggled in 2022, compiling a 5.00 ERA, 1.51 WHIP, and 97 strikeouts over 111.2 innings and 22 starts.

Ian Anderson's statcast percentiles by year is not a pretty progression pic.twitter.com/QYaWzMSWCc

— Dayton from Nebraska (@BravesAmerica) February 20, 2023

In spring training play this year, Anderson recorded a brutal 6.14 ERA, 1.77 WHIP, and eight strikeouts with eight walks over 7.1 innings.

It's a little puzzling to see Anderson slide so far since his first two seasons. However, he's still just 24 years old and the Braves are undoubtedly working to get him back to where he once was.

Let's hope they can. 

He was the third overall selection in the 2016 MLB Draft. Photo Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports