All-Star nod punctuates bounceback first half for Anderson

5:34 PM UTC

ANAHEIM -- After the best season of his career in 2022 that saw him get named an All-Star for the first time and post a 2.57 ERA in 178 2/3 innings with the Dodgers in 2022, lefty was rewarded with a three-year contract worth $39 million to move across town.

But Anderson scuffled in his first year with the Angels, posting a 5.43 ERA in 141 innings and it was hard to know what to expect from him his year. But he's turned it around in a big way and is an All-Star yet again, putting up a 2.97 ERA in 118 innings over 19 starts.

Anderson admitted that last year humbled him, and he came into this season in better shape both physically and mentally.

“There’s nothing in the game that’s more motivating than poor performance,” Anderson said. “And at some point last year, getting moved to the bullpen, basically being told you’re not good enough to be a starter anymore -- not in those exact words -- but that’s what the action is. Just to kind of prove to yourself and other people that you can still be effective, I guess, it’s a good feeling.”

Anderson found out about the honor on Sunday at Wrigley Field, a day after he turned in eight scoreless innings with 10 strikeouts. He finished the first half by allowing four runs over six innings in a no-decision against the Mariners on Friday night at Angel Stadium.

He’s the club’s lone All-Star, although closer Carlos Estévez and catcher Logan O’Hoppe both had cases, as well as injured infielder Luis Rengifo. Superstar Mike Trout, who has been out since late April with a torn meniscus in his left knee, also isn’t an All-Star for the first time since 2011.

The game is set to be held on Tuesday at 5 p.m. PT at Globe Life Field in Texas.

“I feel good,” Anderson said. “I just feel like most of the times I pitched in games, it’s given us a chance to win and that's really all I care about. I just want to give us a chance.”

Manager Ron Washington said he's happy for Anderson because of the way the southpaw carries himself both on and off the field. The Angels have a young team, and Anderson has emerged as the leader of the pitching staff.

“It couldn't have happened to a better guy,” Washington said. “And it couldn't have happened to one of our best leaders of that pitching staff. I just hope him and his family go to Texas and enjoy every moment.”

Anderson said he’s especially excited this time because he’ll be traveling to the event for the first time; when he was an All-Star with the Dodgers in 2022, the game was held at Dodger Stadium. He also didn’t pitch in that Midsummer Classic and would love to see his first action in one.

But either way, Anderson said he plans to take it all in with his family and loves interacting with the other All-Stars. The 34-year-old has a true passion for the game and enjoys all the festivities that come with being an All-Star.

“Honestly, it's just so much fun because it's a way to talk to guys,” Anderson said. “For me, I really like pitching and generally love the game of baseball. So you get to see and talk to a lot of guys and just try to learn some stuff from them. See how they go about their business, what the routines are like, what their thoughts are, and then just see a lot of really good players and good baseball. It’s just a fun experience.”

Looking forward, though, Anderson -- who is under contract next year at a reasonable $13 million -- has pitched so well this season that he’s also becoming a hot trade commodity. But the Angels know it would be tough to replace Anderson’s spot in the rotation next year at a similar cost for that kind of production, so they’d be looking for a strong return.

General manager Perry Minasian doesn’t talk specifics about potential trade candidates and simply congratulated Anderson on having such a strong first half. But Minasian will have some difficult decisions to make ahead of the July 30 Trade Deadline.

“He's had an outstanding year,” Minasian said. “He's been great for us on and off the field. As impactful on the field as he's been in the locker room with some of the younger arms we have. So he had a great first half and it's a well-deserved All-Star appearance.”