Quick look: Tanner Anderson exceeds expectations in debut start

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports The Oakland A’s tried out a new starter on Monday. Tanner Anderson, acquired last winter in a minor trade, made his first career MLB start, against the first-place Tampa Bay Rays. Let’s take a closer look!

First and foremost, Anderson pitched a good game. He’d posted a 6.26 ERA and 7.27 FIP in Triple-A this year, so expectations were low, but he stepped up and threw a near-quality start against a good team. His final line was: 5\u2154 ip, 2 runs, 5 Ks, 2 BB, 3 hits.

In terms of arsenal, Anderson showed four pitches. (Statcast registered one instance of a two-seam fastball, but I’m including it with the sinkers.) Here are the four offerings, their frequency, and…