Dodgers' Anderson to miss 3-5 months after back surgery
Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Brett Anderson will undergo back surgery Thursday and miss three-to-five months of action as he recovers, the team announced.
Anderson felt soreness after tossing live batting practice Tuesday, which prompted an MRI that revealed a bulging disc.
"I was surprised - I was shocked," new manager Dave Roberts said after learning the news. "Talking to him two days ago and again yesterday morning, he just thought it's a couple-day thing that would subside."
Anderson logged 180 1/3 innings for the Dodgers in 2015 - the most of his career - and compiled a 10-9 record with a 3.69 ERA and 1.33 WHIP in 31 starts. He tweeted about his disappointment with the injury setback.
Definitely not the start I wanted for this season but hopefully it just means a better ending.
— Brett Anderson (@BrettAnderson35) March 3, 2016
The oft-injured hurler was projected to be the team's fourth starter this season behind Clayton Kershaw, Scott Kazmir, and Kenta Maeda.
Luckily, Los Angeles is deep with starting pitching, and Roberts has several options to replace Anderson.
"It's one of those things that we didn't think our depth would be tested so early," Roberts added, "but obviously with Alex (Wood) and (Brandon) Beachy and Mike Bolsinger, we've got depth and those guys are going to have to step up. We're going to be evaluating, and every day's a test."
Anderson accepted a $15.8-million qualifying offer from the Dodgers in November.