DENVER — Ian Anderson, the winning pitcher in Game 3 of the 2021 World Series, rejoined the Atlanta Braves on Monday, a day after he was claimed off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels.
Atlanta also signed veteran outfielder Eddie Rosario, optioned outfielder Jarred Kelenic to Triple-A Gwinnett and designated right-hander Zach Thompson for assignment.
A 26-year-old right-hander, Anderson went 0-1 with an 11.57 ERA in seven appearances this season for the Angels, who acquired him in a trade with Atlanta in March. The appearances were his first in the majors since 2022; he had Tommy John surgery the following year.
The Braves gave Anderson an opportunity in spring training to earn a spot in their starting rotation. But he was traded to the Angels after he walked 20 batters in 20 innings.
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“It feels great coming back here,” Anderson said. “There’s so much familiarity, and it’s just going to be about trying to tap into more of the positive results I’ve had this year and just get things going.”
Anderson is expected to work out of the bullpen for Atlanta, which began a three-game series at Colorado on Monday night.
“Be ready for whenever they call me,” he said.
Anderson shined for the Braves throughout the 2021 postseason, which concluded with Atlanta beating Houston in six games for the World Series title. He pitched five hitless innings to win Game 3.
Rosario, an 11-year veteran, returns for his third stint with Atlanta. He played in two games for the Los Angeles Dodgers this season. Rosario hit 21 homers in 142 games for the Braves in 2023.
“He’s going to be mainly used as a pinch hitter,” manager Brian Snitker said. “We don’t pinch hit a lot, but I told him you just got to be ready to go and do anything we ask.”
Kelenic batted .167 with two homers in 23 games for the Braves this season.
“We’re going to give Eli [White] some run. I think it could be good for Jared to go back and play and get some at-bats,” Snitker said.
Thompson did not allow a run over 3⅔ innings in two appearances this year.
