Reliever Nick Anderson has signed a minor league deal with the Rockies, according to Ari Alexander of KPRC 2. Anderson, represented by Gaeta Sports Management, was previously with the Cardinals on a minor league contract but opted out and quickly landed with Colorado.
While with the Cardinals’ Triple-A affiliate in Memphis, Anderson made 17 appearances, posting a 6.20 ERA across 20 1/3 innings.
Though his strikeout rate (21.5%) and walk rate (8.6%) were decent, he struggled with hard contact and had difficulty stranding runners, leading St. Louis to pass on promoting him after he exercised his opt-out.
The 34-year-old pitched in the majors for the Royals during the first half of last season, compiling a 4.04 ERA over 35 2/3 innings with a 19% strikeout rate. Later stints in Triple-A with the Dodgers and Orioles did not result in big league call-ups.
Anderson has bounced around as a middle reliever since a standout stretch with the Marlins and Rays in 2019-20.
He had a solid showing with the Braves two seasons ago, recording a 3.06 ERA in 35 1/3 innings, and still features a fastball in the 94-95 mph range.
The Rockies bullpen has a respectable 4.29 ERA this year but ranks last in MLB with an 18.9% strikeout rate.
