The Dodgers are signing right-handed pitcher Nick Anderson to a minor league deal. Joel Sherman of the New York Publish reported that the 2 sides have been in settlement on a contract, whereas Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic confirmed that it could be a minor league pact. Anderson was designated for task by the Royals earlier than the All-Star break and cleared launch waivers on Saturday.
Anderson pitched effectively for the Braves over the primary half of the 2023 season, posting a 3.06 ERA and three.47 SIERA in 35 video games, whereas amassing 4 wins, one save, and 15 holds. Sadly, a shoulder damage ended his yr in mid-July. Regardless of his promising first half, the Braves dealt Anderson to the Royals following the season in alternate for money issues.
The 34-year-old right-hander was unable to duplicate his first-half success in 2024, pitching to a 4.04 ERA and 4.39 SIERA in 37 outings with Kansas Metropolis. Though his fastball velocity is barely up from final season, Anderson has struggled in nearly each respect: His strikeout charge is down, his stroll charge is up, and he has given up twice as many dwelling runs as final yr in near the identical variety of innings. Contemplating his poor numbers this season and intensive damage historical past over the previous few years, it wasn’t too shocking that Anderson was DFA’d after the Royals traded for fellow right-handed reliever Hunter Harvey. That mentioned, Kansas Metropolis may need been hoping one other staff would declare Anderson off of waivers and take his 2024 wage off its books.
As an alternative, the Dodgers waited and signed Anderson to a minor league deal, which suggests they are going to solely must pay him a prorated portion of the league minimal wage. Though Clayton Kershaw and Tyler Glasnow are set to return from the IL this coming week, the Dodgers can nonetheless use all of the pitching assist they will get. The damage bug has hit their rotation way more than their bullpen, however L.A. is at present lacking relievers like Brusdar Graterol, Ryan Brasier, and Michael Grove. Extra to the purpose, the Dodgers merely want to make sure they’ve sufficient wholesome arms – starters or relievers – to get them via the rest of the season.
That being mentioned, the Dodgers are absolutely hoping Anderson may be greater than only a heat physique. This group has an important status for creating arms and serving to veteran pitchers reinvent themselves. Maybe L.A. may also help Anderson rediscover what has made him such an efficient reliever at earlier factors in his profession. Along with his sturdy 2023 marketing campaign with the Braves, he was dominant from 2019-20 with the Marlins and Rays, pitching to a 2.77 ERA and a couple of.14 SIERA in 87 video games.
