The Atlanta Braves have made a roster move involving infielder/outfielder Brian Anderson, who has been outrighted to Triple-A Gwinnett. Despite no prior reports suggesting he was on waivers, Anderson cleared waivers unclaimed in recent days. This move leaves an open spot on the active roster to be filled after the All-Star break, with Atlanta’s 40-man roster now reduced to 39.
Anderson, 31, began the season with the Mariners on a minor league contract but opted out in early June. Subsequently, he signed a major league deal with Atlanta following injuries to Ronald Acuña Jr. and Austin Riley, making him a suitable interim option due to his experience at third base and in the outfield. However, despite the team’s outfield depth issues exacerbated by Michael Harris II’s injury, Anderson saw limited action. He appeared in only three games from June 5 to 12 before landing on the injured list on June 25 due to a bacterial infection, from which he was reinstated last Wednesday but did not play in any subsequent games.
Anderson possesses enough service time to reject the outright assignment and opt for free agency, a decision he has yet to make public. With the trade deadline approaching on July 30, potential roster changes could present opportunities elsewhere if Anderson decides to explore the open market.
From 2018 to 2020, Anderson had a productive stint with the Marlins, batting .266/.350/.436 with a 115 wRC+ over three seasons while displaying solid defense. However, injuries have since hampered his performance, and his statistics from 2021 onward reflect a decline, batting .229/.316/.360 with an 87 wRC+ and limited to fewer than 100 games each season due to shoulder and oblique injuries.
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