The Reliever has joined the Orioles after opting out of a minor league contract with the Dodgers, according to Darren Wolfson of SKOR North (X link). It is unclear whether the righty would immediately join Baltimore’s MLB roster or sign a minor league contract to head to Triple-A Norfolk.
Nick Anderson, a client of Gaeta Sports Management, spent about five weeks in the Dodgers system. He joined with Los Angeles after being dismissed by the Royals following the All-Star break. He spent the first few weeks with the Dodgers in their Arizona complex. Los Angeles did not deploy him to Triple-A Oklahoma City until August 10.
Anderson made three appearances with the Dodgers, giving up three runs (one earned) over 4 1/3 innings. He struck out five batters but walked three.
Before this short stint with Los Angeles, Anderson was a middle reliever with the Kansas City Royals. The 34-year-old posted a 4.04 ERA in 35 2/3 innings. Although this ERA was decent, his underlying statistics were less favorable. His strikeout rate dropped to a career-low 19%, and he issued walks to nearly 10% of batters faced. He also allowed six home runs, averaging more than 1.5 home runs per nine innings.
One season ago, Anderson had a strong performance with the Atlanta Braves, delivering a 3.04 ERA over 35 1/3 innings and striking out 25% of hitters. His season was interrupted by a shoulder injury in July, but his velocity has bounced back in 2024.
The Orioles, despite being in a good overall position, have experienced bullpen struggles for the past couple of months. Since the All-Star Break, their relief pitching staff has posted a 4.85 ERA. Craig Kimbrel has been in a slump, and deadline acquisitions Seranthony Domínguez and Gregory Soto have struggled with home runs. Additionally, setup man Jacob Webb has been sidelined for three weeks with elbow inflammation. Baltimore’s middle relief includes Burch Smith and Matt Bowman, who were brought on through midseason minor league contracts.
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