If Anderson's prospect star appeared to lose luster last season, early season returns suggest it could be burning out. Anderson struggled for strikes for much of his short outing Thursday, opening with five straight pitches that missed up and arm side, and he spent the rest of the night chasing his command.
Anderson's velocity was also off the pace from last season. His fastball hovered around 91 mph for much of the evening and did not show the plus sink he flashed last season. He was able to generate a few swings and misses when Hooks batters chased his slider out of the strike zone, but the pitch had slurve shape and was hit hard when it caught the zone.