After throwing one scoreless inning Monday, left-hander Brett Anderson has created a lot of buzz in the Chicago Cubs' camp.
It was only two seasons ago that Anderson, 29, made 31 starts for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He threw a career-high 180 1/3 innings and posted a 3.69 ERA.
But given Anderson's long list of injuries that included a bulging disc in his lower back that sidelined him for most of 2016, the Cubs are taking careful measures in hopes of getting plenty of mileage out of Anderson.
But his ability and early work has caught the eye of manager Joe Maddon, who recognized Anderson's talents when he pitched for the Oakland Athletics (2009-13) when Maddon was with the Tampa Bay Rays.
"I would be really curious to see this guy with a full season of good health," said Maddon, who thought it would be "outstanding" if Anderson pitched between 160 and 180 innings.
"(Anderson) might be better than a lot of teams’ third and second starters. This guy is that good. With (good) health, there’s no telling."
Caption Cubs' Joe Maddon on opening day starterCubs manager Joe Maddon on opening day starter and Angels manager Mike Scioscia. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs manager Joe Maddon on opening day starter and Angels manager Mike Scioscia. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Caption Cubs' Joe Maddon on opening day starterCubs manager Joe Maddon on opening day starter and Angels manager Mike Scioscia. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs manager Joe Maddon on opening day starter and Angels manager Mike Scioscia. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Caption Cubs' Brett Anderson on his first Cactus League startCubs pitcher Brett Anderson discusses his first Cactus League start, against the White Sox, on Feb. 27, 2017, in Mesa, Ariz. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs pitcher Brett Anderson discusses his first Cactus League start, against the White Sox, on Feb. 27, 2017, in Mesa, Ariz. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Caption A Cubs fan named TrudieTrudie has been a Chicago Cubs fan for most of her life. On Feb. 27, 2017, Trudie purchased a few tickets for the 2017 season. (Nancy Stone/Chicago Tribune)
Trudie has been a Chicago Cubs fan for most of her life. On Feb. 27, 2017, Trudie purchased a few tickets for the 2017 season. (Nancy Stone/Chicago Tribune)
Caption Cubs pitcher Pierce Johnson on switching to the bullpenCubs pitcher Pierce Johnson discusses his new role in the bullpen on Feb. 27, 2017. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs pitcher Pierce Johnson discusses his new role in the bullpen on Feb. 27, 2017. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Caption Joe Maddon on White Sox manager Rick RenteriaCubs manager Joe Maddon discusses White Sox manager Rick Renteria as well as Cubs pitchers Brett Anderson and Caleb Smith on Feb. 27, 2017. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs manager Joe Maddon discusses White Sox manager Rick Renteria as well as Cubs pitchers Brett Anderson and Caleb Smith on Feb. 27, 2017. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
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