The Oakland Athletics: Brett Anderson’s rehab going well

Brett Anderson Even though the Oakland Athletics bullpen has been quite strong this season, they are missing a prominent force. Left handed pitcher Brett Anderson, who was acquired by the Athletics in 2007, has been out with an ankle for most of 2013. Even though he was picked to pitch Opening Day this year, he only pitched five more games after that before landing on the disable list with an ankle injury. It turned out to be a stress fracture in his right foot. Anderson has been rehabbing ever since. Recently, Anderson pitched an up-and-down bullpen session which consisted of about 50 pitches. Hopefully Anderson will pitch a simulation game soon to see how his ankle and foot will hold up. Some are saying he could be back by August. But whether he comes back in 2 weeks or in a month, Anderson has the determination and willpower to overcome this injury just like he has overcome others in the past. Anderson has his fair share of injuries throughout his short baseball career. Even though Anderson had a great rookie year in 2009 and did not miss one game, he was still dealing with forearm trouble for most the season. In 2010, he acquired a forearm strain, which made him miss almost half the season. Then in 2011, Anderson had Tommy John Surgery, which is an intensive elbow surgery that requires a 13 month recovery period. He did not take the mound again until August of 2012 where he was only able to start six games before going back on the DL list with a side oblique strain. And now in 2013 its Anderson’s right foot stress fracture. Even though Anderson is feeling good, with five quality starting pitchers already on the mound for the Athletics, there might not be much room for this lefty. There is a possibility he could come back as a reliever, which might also lessen his chance of injury in the future. He did look great relieving back in the 19-inning game in April and the Athletics have been quietly looking for starting pitchers they could swoop up right before the trade deadline. But whenever Anderson ends up back in the bullpen, teammates and fans alike will be happy to see him.