CHICAGO -- The inconsistency that added mystery to Rockies left-handed pitcher Tyler Anderson's early-season work was more due to physical mistakes than anything strategic, he believes. So when he returns from the 10-day disabled list, it'll be a matter of locating pitches.
Anderson, who hopes to begin bullpen sessions soon and may not need a Minor League injury rehab assignment before being activated, was placed on the DL Sunday, retroactive to June 1, with left knee inflammation. He'd pitched through the issue for about a month.
Anderson, 27, went 5-6 with a 3.54 ERA in 19 starts last year after being called up June 12. This April, he struggled to 1-3 with a 7.71 ERA and nine home runs allowed in 30 1/3 innings. Anderson's fastball-changeup combination heated up in his first four May starts, as he posted a 2.55 ERA with 32 strikeouts against seven walks in 24 2/3 innings. However, the club placed him on the DL after he yielded six runs and 11 hits in five innings of a 10-4 home loss to the Mariners.
"I was just not making as many good pitches and making more mistakes," said Anderson, who said he has been feeling good since he went on the DL, but before then he didn't have strength in the knee. He is eligible to return Sunday.
"I was missing with everything," said Anderson, whose 70 swings and misses on his changeup are sixth-most among Major League pitchers, according to Statcast™. "I feel like I've gotten the most swings and misses on my changeup, but I've also given up the most damage on my changeup."
Manager Bud Black said Anderson should be able to throw bullpens "this week."