The Braves have announced they have selected the contract of Ian Anderson and is scheduled to start tonight against the New York Yankees.
The #Braves today selected RHP Ian Anderson to the major league roster and reinstated OF Ronald Acuña Jr. from the 10-day injured list. Anderson will wear No. 48 and is scheduled to start tonight’s game. pic.twitter.com/gcG5Sr0L7i
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) August 25, 2020
Anderson is considered the Braves top pitching prospect in the Braves organization and is baseball’s #42 prospect according to MLB Pipeline. In 2019, Ian compiled a 2.68 ERA, 11.92 K/9, and 3.81 BB/9 in 21 starts for Mississippi before struggling a bit in Gwinnett to the tune of a 6.57 ERA in five starts.
Ian features a three pitch mix with a 60 grade fastball, and above average changeup and curveball, with solid command. He faces a tough task in making his debut against an elite Yankees lineup, and when you factor in that Ian is from New York this start is really meaningful for him. To make space for him on the roster the Braves have optioned Touki Toussaint to the alternative training site.
The Braves also announced that Ronald Acuña Jr. has been reinstated from the IL and will return to the club as well. Acuña Jr. got off to a slow start to the season but has since gone on a tear before aggravating his wrist. In just 18 games Ronald has hit .258/.372/.515 good enough for a 137 wRC+, and 0.5 fWAR which lead the team before he hit the injured list. To make room for Ronald the club has optioned Alex Jackson to the alternative training site.