Arizona Diamondbacks: Anderson returns as an improved pitcher

Right-hander Chase Anderson, who played parts of two seasons for the Arizona Diamondbacks, starts Sunday against his former mates.

The Arizona Diamondbacks hope to give their former pitcher a difficult homecoming. In facing ex-teammate Chase Anderson, the Diamondbacks are out to even the playing field.

That’s because in previous outings, Anderson has put up impressive numbers. In three starts against his former team since dealt for Jean Segura, Anderson is 2-0 and a 2.00 ERA. That included a 6-1 win over Arizona in Miller Park on May 27.

Aside from numbers, Anderson has undergone a transformation and alteration in his mechanics. That involves a different grip on the ball and release point. When Anderson was in the desert, his fastball traveled in the low 90s. Now, his fastball is constantly in the mid-90s and improved secondary pitches become effective.

All of which propelled Anderson into advantageous position. Coming into his start Sunday against the Diamondbacks’ Robbie Ray, Anderson is 5-1 for 2017 with a career-best 2.94 ERA. That includes 12 starts and Anderson told Venom Strikes in the Brewers clubhouse before Friday’s series opener he’s added depth.

I’m a four-pitch pitcher right now. My curve is good and I’ve added a cutter. It all starts with fast ball command, and I’ve always been aware the importance of fast ball command.

For the increase in velocity, Anderson credits Brewers’ pitching coach Derek Johnson, who suggested Anderson change his grip on his fastball. That increased the velocity and now, breaking pitches feed off an improved speed.

That represents a marked change from his years in the desert. In parts of two seasons with Arizona, Anderson went 15-13 in 48 career starts. That precluded six seasons in the Diamondbacks’ farm system an eventual recall from Double-A Mobile early in the 2014 season.