As the Rockies pursue a postseason berth, they’ve added a wild card — pitcher Tyler Anderson.
Since the Colorado Rockies drafted him with the 20th overall pick in the 2011 draft, Anderson’s career has been a mixed bag. Injuries stunted his development as a pitcher from the get-go, and they’ve prevented him from establishing an identity at the Major League level.
That said, Anderson has managed to fight through all the curveballs he’s been thrown in his career, and now is contributing to a Rockies club that is looking to make the postseason for the first time in nearly a decade.
Anderson made his first appearance since June 25th on September 11th against the Arizona Diamondbacks. He looked sharp and in control out of the bullpen, logging four scoreless innings; allowing just one hit while striking out four batters.
Following Monday’s outing, the Rockies decided to give Anderson the nod to start Saturday’s game against the San Diego Padres.
Whether it’s starting a game or coming out of the bullpen, Anderson understands that his success hinges on the ability make pitches at any given moment.
“Starting, relieving; at the end of the day it’s all about making pitches,” Anderson told Aniello Piro of the Morning Blitz. “If you kind of simplify it and keep it at that, it takes a little bit out of it, whether you want to get yourself in a routine for starting, relieving. Obviously, a good routine is going to help, but when you get on the mound, you just have to be able to execute.”
The Rockies have mixed and matched with their starting rotation all season. Anderson was supposed to be a featured starter for the Rockies, but injuries and poor performances limited his effectiveness on the mound.
While 2017 has been erratic for the 27-year-old, he’s hungry to join the postseason push and contribute to some Rockies wins.
“Regardless of confidence or [excitement], the whole thing is a race right now,” Anderson said. “I just want to be able to do anything I can to help us win a game… If it means starting on Saturday, it’s starting. If it means coming out of the ‘pen on Wednesday, it’s coming out of the ‘pen on Wednesday. It’s all the same.”
Sorry – this audio content is no longer available.with Anderson, including some of his thoughts on the injury layoff and his pitches.
Sorry – this audio content is no longer available.
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