Former Atlanta Braves' Top Prospect and WS Hero Working Back From Tommy John Surgery

The Atlanta Braves hope to have pitcher Ian Anderson back around the All-Star break as he rehabs from Tommy John surgery that he underwent early in 2023.

From 'The Athletic:'

Anderson is at the long-toss rehab phase — firm throws from 120 feet in four sessions per week — and still has plenty of work ahead. But he’s right where he and the Braves hoped he’d be nearly 11 months into rehab. Once he starts throwing off a mound, things could progress rapidly.

Anderson said he’s slightly altered his distinct straight-over-the-top pitching motion and is using his legs more to put less stress on his arm. He isn’t getting ahead of himself trying to rush back. He’s taken things at a prudent pace directed by the Braves and he doesn’t want to screw up after getting this deep in recovery without incident.

Even when Anderson is ready to come back, he may need to start in Triple-A. After a great start to his career in 2020 and 2021, Anderson regressed mightily in 2022. The Braves have a stacked rotation with Max Fried, Spencer Strider, Chris Sale and Charlie Morton and depending on how things go with the No. 5 spot and pitcher health, they may not need Anderson right away at the major league level.

Still, the idea of getting back the former No. 3 pick in the MLB Draft is an enticing one for Atlanta. The 25-year-old helped the Braves win the World Series in 2021 and is 22-13 lifetime with a 3.97 ERA.

He's also 4-0 with a 1.26 ERA in the playoffs for his career.