Drew Anderson effective for four versus Guardians

Anderson limited the White Sox to just one run over the first four frames, but a two-run shot by Drew Romo turned a solid start into a middling one. Still, the 32-year-old kept Detroit in the game, and that’s about all you can ask, with all due respect to Anderson. If there’s no change to the rotation order, he’ll take a 4.01 ERA into his scheduled start in Kansas City over the weekend.

Anderson performed well despite going without a K. He had a 28.3 percent strikeout rate previously while working mostly as a reliever, but he fanned none of the 13 batters he faced tonight. Anderson will likely remain a starter for now and face the Guardians next week.

Anderson had success overseas in Korea the last two seasons and has looked sharp in a handful of opportunities for Detroit this year. He’s compiled a serviceable 4.24 ERA and 78/24 K/BB ratio across 63 2/3 innings, mostly in relief, for the Tigers this season. He’ll get an extended look in the club’s starting rotation for the final two months and could be a decent streaming option in deeper mixed leagues.

Anderson gave up two hits, walked two and struck out five. He was thrust into starting with Troy Melton (back) scratched and did a solid enough job for the Tigers. Anderson isn’t quite a relief ace, but he’s the first choice when A.J. Hinch needs multiple innings from the bullpen.

Drew Anderson will take the ball in his place. Melton will undergo further evaluation to determine the severity of the issue. It’s unclear whether he’ll take the ball at some point later this week. The 25-year-old has posted a strong 2.81 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 14/6 K/B ratio across 25 2/3 innings through four starts since making his season debut last month. It’s a tough break for fantasy managers since he was in line for a potential two-start week against the Astros and White Sox. There should be some additional clarity on his status in the coming days.

Finnegan came on to protect a two-run advantage in the ninth and got into trouble as he allowed two consecutive one-out singles that put runners on the corners. The White Sox then dropped down a sacrifice bunt to score the tying run. Finnegan escaped further damage, but the Tigers went on to lose in the 10th as Drew Anderson blew another one-run lead. The Tigers’ bullpen is in complete shambles at the moment.

It’s reportedly the same injury that caused Mize to be placed on the injured list in late April. Mize didn’t think the injury was as severe as it was last time, but Hinch said he didn’t “really have a gut feeling” on how much time Mize would miss. It sounds like an return stint on the IL isn’t out of the question. Drew Anderson could be a short-term solution for the rotation.

Anderson allowed one hit and two walks in Game 2 of Sunday’s doubleheader against the Orioles. He’s mostly been used in multi-inning appearances out of the bullpen, but he drew the start earlier this week against the Guardians and struck out seven. Kenley Jansen struggled in Game 1, but Anderson’s role doesn’t match that of a closer-in-waiting. He’ll likely grab some saves here and there as long as he’s pitching in relief.

Anderson went exactly two times through Cleveland’s lineup, throwing 38 of 63 pitches for strikes, and allowing just four baserunners. He generated an impressive 10 swinging strikes and finished with a strong 33 percent CSW. He consistently challenged the Guardians with high fastballs in two-strike counts, resulting in five of his seven punchouts. Not bad for a journeyman pitcher making his first start in the big leagues since August 7, 2021. It seems highly unlikely he’ll get another turn in Detroit’s rotation, especially with Troy Melton (elbow) seemingly ready to return from the injured list, but he took advantage of his opportunity in this one.

Anderson has not made an MLB start since August of 2021, when he was with the Rangers. He did look good in four innings out of the bullpen on Friday, allowing one hit and no runs while striking out one. He was also tremendous as a starter in Korea last year, posting a 2.25 ERA in 171 2/3 innings. This could be a bit of an audition for him since the Tigers do have one rotation spot up for grabs. However, Troy Melton could also come off the injured list next week and take this spot in the rotation.