Chicago Cubs: Brett Anderson encouraged early on in Spring Training

Chicago Cubs rotation candidate Brett Anderson has already gotten further into this season than he did in 2016. After experiencing some pain while throwing batting practice, he underwent back surgery that cost him most of the season.

As I write this, I fully understand Chicago Cubs pitcher Brett Anderson‘s “routine” for his back. With a herniated disc that I’ve had since college, I can assure you that back pain can be crippling. But I also don’t play baseball after having back surgery. I get the routine, but that’s about where the similarities end for us. Anderson is working his way back, and while it’s monotonous, it is what’s necessary.

Whenever the Cubs bring in a pitcher who’s had some struggles–be it injury or mechanics–the Cubs coaching staff seems to find a way to get the best out of them. Pitching coach Chris Bosio has helped Anderson make a small adjustment, trying to get him to less on the heel and more on the ball of his foot. It’s been a change for Anderson.

“It felt kind of awkward the first couple times because I’ve thrown the same way since I could walk and talk,” he said. “I feel strong and I feel more directional toward the plate than rotational. It’s been good so far.”

The only problem with that was the way he was throwing eventually made walking a more painful issue. So following the surgery and given a new routine of stretches, the key is to do everything he can to remain pain-free.

“That’s what I have to deal with on a day-to-day basis, and I’ll do whatever it takes to be healthy,” Anderson said. “It’s not fun to do, but you have to do it at this point.”

The Cubs had a health rotation last year, relying mainly on the five starters, with Mike Montgomery stepping in as a spot starter late in the year. Now Anderson and Montgomery could share the fifth spot in the rotation. Anderson is fully aware of the need for pitching depth. He came over from the Dodgers, who needed 15 starters to get through the season. Three pitching staffs worth. The Cubs know last year was not the norm, and are preparing with more depth this season.

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Anderson sharing time with Montgomery–or whoever else–in the fifth starter spot is the ideal solution. With Anderson’s back surgery, it takes a little more time for him to get ready. A tough spot to be in out in the bullpen when you could be up and down several times in a game. But just being back and healthy? That’s really all Anderson could ask for.