It feels like Opening Day was only yesterday, but the truth is that the 2025 MLB season's first month is almost over. With that in mind, it isn't a secret that the Atlanta Braves' campaign started on the wrong foot.
Brian Snitker's club played to an abysmal 5-13 record through the first 18 games, leaving fans to wonder if the team had what it takes to make the playoffs. Fortunately, things have seemingly turned around as the Braves boast a 5-1 record in their last five games before Friday's clash against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Braves have a much-needed day off on Thursday, making it the perfect time to check in on the club's former players, including one who was just demoted by his new team.
Former Braves RHP Ian Anderson Designated for Assignment by Angels
The Braves sent right-handed pitcher Ian Anderson packing before the 2025 season began, trading him to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for southpaw Jose Suarez last month. As it turns out, it didn't take the veteran hurler's new team long to end that experiment.
The Angels announced on Wednesday night that Anderson has been designated for assignment. Los Angeles also optioned RHP Michael Darrell-Hicks to the minors, kicking the duo to the curb to make room for righties Carl Edwards Jr. and Victor Mederos.
Angels Designate Ian Anderson For Assignment https://t.co/we86uA2zEL pic.twitter.com/rdrras4i6O
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) April 23, 2025
Braves fans remember Anderson for the strong start to his MLB career, going 22-13 with a 3.97 ERA and 262 strikeouts in 52 starts between 2020 and 2022. That's without mentioning his 4-0 record and 1.26 ERA across eight postseason starts, which includes playing a big role in Atlanta's 2021 World Series run.
Little of Anderson has been seen since then. The Rexford, NY native missed the Braves' last two seasons recovering from Tommy John surgery, ultimately leading to his being traded to the Angels in late March.
The change in scenery didn't do much to help Anderson, though. The former 2016 third-overall pick pitched to a putrid 11.57 ERA in his seven relief appearances with the Angels, striking out only eight batters as he surrendered 12 earned runs and 17 hits, along with seven walks, in 9 1/3 innings of work.
Anderson is only 26 years old and a former first-round pick, meaning he'll likely receive another MLB opportunity soon. Whichever team is willing to roll the dice remains to be seen, but perhaps the Braves could be interested in a reunion after the other half of last month's trade — Suarez — was DFA'd by Atlanta earlier this week.
Teams have seven days to trade or waive DFA'd players from the transaction's date, and other clubs have 48 hours to claim a player once they're placed on waivers. In other words, it won't be long before Braves fans learn where Anderson will be heading next.