The Toronto Blue Jays have called up oft-injured left-handed pitcher Brett Anderson, who was recently signed to a minor league deal.
Over the years, left-handed pitcher Brett Anderson has displayed talent but has had a tough time staying healthy. After a solid rookie season in 2009, Anderson failed to make more than 19 starts in any year between 2010-14.
In 2015, however, Anderson finally managed to stay on the field for a full year. After signing a one-year, $10 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers over the offseason, Anderson went 10-9 with a 3.69 ERA (100 ERA+) and a 1.33 WHIP over 31 starts and 180.1 innings pitched.
The following offseason, Anderson joined Colby Rasmus and Matt Wieters as part of the first group players to ever accept a qualifying offer. In 2016, however, Anderson was bitten by the injury bug yet again. He underwent back surgery in Spring Training and appeared in only four games for the Dodgers, going 1-2 with an 11.91 ERA and a 2.56 WHIP.
Anderson joined the Chicago Cubs on a one-year, $3.5 million pact over this past offseason. Through six starts, he went 2-2 with an 8.18 ERA and a 2.09 WHIP. In July, Anderson was designated for assignment and later released. Anderson was signed to a minor league contract by the Toronto Blue Jays. Prior to Tuesday’s game against the Boston Red Sox, the Blue Jays announced they had selected Anderson’s contract and he would be starting later that night.
We have selected the contract of LHP Brett Anderson. He starts tonight.
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) August 29, 2017
RHP Leonel Campos has been optioned to the @BuffaloBisons. pic.twitter.com/ak79Y8nXGN
In two starts in Buffalo, the Blue Jays’ Triple-A affiliate, Anderson went 1-1 with an 0.93 ERA. He was also quite impressive in his Blue Jays debut, going 5.2 innings, allowing just six hits, one earned run, zero walks and striking out three. The Blue Jays fell by a score of 3-0, and Anderson would take the loss, but they had a tough opponent in the Red Sox and ace Chris Sale.
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After making two consecutive playoff appearances, the Blue Jays have fallen to the cellar of the AL East this season with a record of 61-71. Aside from a nice season by Marcus Stroman, the Blue Jays’ rotation has struggled a bit this year, posting a combined 4.70 ERA. However, if Anderson can stay healthy, he might be able to help the team soak up some innings going forward. It may also be a good opportunity for Anderson to audition for a job next year, whether it be in Toronto or elsewhere.