Los Angeles Angels DFA Recently Acquired Pitcher
Acquired from the Atlanta Braves just before Opening Day in exchange for left-hander José Suarez, Anderson struggled mightily in a relief role, allowing 12 earned runs over 9.1 innings with eight strikeouts and seven walks.
With no minor league options remaining, the Angels had to remove him from the 40-man roster to make room for Carl Edwards Jr., who was selected from Triple-A Salt Lake, and Víctor Mederos, who was recalled.
#Angels transactions:
— Angels PR (@LAAngelsPR) April 23, 2025
•Selected the contract of RHP Carl Edwards Jr. (#52)
•Recalled RHP Victor Mederos from High-A Tri-City
•Designated RHP Ian Anderson for assignment
•Following last night’s game, RHP Michael Darrell-Hicks was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake
Anderson, once a promising young starter for Atlanta and a key contributor to their 2021 World Series run, has seen his career derailed by injuries and inconsistency.
After undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2023 and returning for a solid stretch in the minors, he failed to recapture his early-career form at the major league level.
Tuesday’s outing against the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he gave up three runs in a single inning, pushed his ERA to 11.57 and sealed his fate with the Angels. The club now has a week to trade, release, or outright him if he clears waivers.
Ian Anderson DFA'd 48 hours after Jose Suarez, whom were traded for another prior to season; unique career path for both pitchers
— Taylor Blake Ward (@TaylorBlakeWard) April 23, 2025
This move came just days after the Braves designated Suarez, Anderson’s trade counterpart, for assignment as well.
Suarez had shown flashes of improvement but ultimately couldn’t secure a roster spot in Atlanta’s crowded bullpen. What began as a last-minute Opening Day swap between two struggling pitchers has now ended with both players in DFA limbo, as neither team found the breakthrough they hoped for in the deal.
Photo Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
