In 2019 and 2020, Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Nick Anderson was on top of the world.
He famously struck out 110 hitters in just 65 frames in 2019, with a 3.32 ERA between the Miami Marlins and the Rays.
He was also great in 2020, until he got hurt.
In fact, he was the guy who replaced Blake Snell in that famous World Series game in which Snell had just 73 pitches and was dealing.
Anderson lost the lead back then, but he was pitching hurt.
He then had recurring elbow issues that limited him in 2021, and was also bothered by a severe case of plantar fasciitis in 2022.
His injury issues, and the fact roster spots in the majors are scarce and extremely valuable, made the Rays pull the plug on Anderson.
Injuries Have Derailed His Career
“The Tampa Bay Rays outright right-handed reliever Nick Anderson, sources tell ESPN. He is on waivers, and the other 29 teams can add him to their major league roster. If he clears waivers, he will remain in the Rays’ minor league system. Injuries have hampered him since 2020,” insider Jeff Passan tweeted.
The Tampa Bay Rays outright right-handed reliever Nick Anderson, sources tell ESPN. He is on waivers, and the other 29 teams can add him to their major league roster. If he clears waivers, he will remain in the Rays’ minor league system. Injuries have hampered him since 2020.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 9, 2022
Anderson is still relatively young, at 32.
The plantar fasciitis shouldn’t be as worrisome to other teams as the fact he had elbow issues recently and was only able to strike out one hitter in six 2021 innings.
His fastball velocity was way down in those six innings, too, so the picture is not exactly encouraging for him.
On raw talent alone, however, he will probably be claimed off waivers by a team looking to give him a chance to stick and build some trade value.
It’s still baffling how good he used to be, and how low he has failed.
