Catching up with Atlanta Braves RHP Ian Anderson during rehab with Augusta GreenJackets

The second trip through the minors is nothing like the first for Atlanta Braves’ right-hander Ian Anderson.

The 2016 first-round pick made his second rehab start for the Low-A Augusta GreenJackets Saturday as he recovers from Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) surgery.

While the famous Tommy John procedure has become commonplace in the baseball ecosystem, it’s a first for the 26-year-old Anderson. He missed basically the entire 2023 season, so just getting back on the mound had to feel like a huge win.

“It’s definitely a tough process. It’s one of those things everyone that’s been through it can tell you what they felt, but you’re probably not going to feel the same things,” he said. “It’s just about getting out there, getting on the mound and getting the reps back. It’s been over a year and a half since I pitched in games, so every time I go out there it’s about getting innings on the arm, get some reps on the body and mind and try to build off of it.”

Originally slated to go up to five innings Saturday, weather cut Anderson’s start short against the Columbia fireflies. He struck out five over 3 1/3 hitless innings. In four appearances between Augusta and the Braves’ Florida Complex League affiliate, he’s allowed just a single earned run over 11 1/3 innings, striking out 13.

Braves' Ian Anderson returns to the mound after Tommy John surgery

While 11 innings at the two lowest levels of pro baseball may not seem like much, it’s a huge step for the 2021 World Series champion. There’s only so much progress that can be gained on flat ground or in the bullpen.

Oftentimes it’s hard for an athlete to get over the mental hurdle of cutting it loose after a major procedure, but Anderson’s focus has never wavered since he was cleared to throw.

“I was never too hesitant. I trusted the surgery and the procedure, but you never know what that game intensity is going to be like until you get in there,” he said. “It’s hard to get to those levels in practice and in training, so I’m at the point now where I just need to get out on the mound and get in different situations; face different hitters, see different swings and work my stuff back and figure out how to use it again.”

While his numbers have been stellar so far, it’s easy to forget that the most important numbers during a rehab assignment aren’t found in ERA or strikeout totals. Preparing for an A-ball lineup of 20-year-olds with limited film and experience is nothing like prep for a big-league start. He’s much less results focused in this environment, as it’s more about getting his arm and repertoire up to speed.

“A lot of it is just working on what I need to work on. It can be a blessing and a curse not knowing much about the other teams,” he said. “At the point I’m at, it’s just getting out there and trusting what I throw and getting into the rhythm and patterns I like to use. I think that’s bigger than the results.”

Anderson leaned on brother, teammates after surgery

Anderson didn’t have to look far for advice after his procedure. His twin brother, Ben, a Texas Rangers prospect, had the same surgery about seven months prior.

There’s almost a brotherhood that forms between pitchers as they go through the rehab process post-Tommy John, and it’s alive and well in the Braves’ organization.

“He was a good one to lean on. Tyler Matzek was great, too. I talked to him a bunch,” Anderson said. “Everyone in the organization was super good and down in Florida, too, we had a bunch of guys that are going through the same thing. You kind of form a bond with them. They help you get through things and you help them, now we’re at that point where guys I was with are starting to get to affiliates to pitch and it’s fun to follow them.”

Anderson brings Major League clubhouse presence to Augusta

Last time Anderson visited Augusta, he played at Lake Olmstead Stadium. SRP Park was a year from opening. It didn’t take him long to remind his GreenJackets teammates how much better they have it in 2024.

“I remember playing at the old park in 2017 when I was with Rome and this is definitely a step up from that. It’s a great addition to the Braves’ affiliates,” he said. “I’m ragging on the guys in there that it’s a lot easier nowadays in the minor leagues than it was when I was playing.”

While he’s looking to get back to the big leagues, Anderson takes his role in the clubhouse seriously. He’s making a point to help the younger players he meets along the way, because a year away from the game can bring with it perspective.

“It’s fun. There are a lot of young guys here that I feel like I can help out a little bit, because I’ve been through what they’re going through and what they’re trying to achieve,” he said. “I’m trying to help them out as much as I can, and more importantly, just enjoying being back on a team and being back in the dugout.”

The big question still lingers: when will Ian Anderson return to the Braves’ starting rotation?

The truth is that we don’t know when Anderson will take the mound at Truist Park. He didn’t give a timetable, but all signs are pointing to that being a reality once again.

“I’m feeling good,” he said, “And I think that’s the biggest thing.”

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Atlanta Braves' Ian Anderson on rehab stint with Augusta GreenJackets