The Philadelphia Phillies have had some decisions to make for their pitching staff during Spring Training. Taijuan Walker has made things interesting with a resurgent spring and new addition Jesús Luzardo could relegate him to a bullpen role or a potential trade to start the season.
It’s a good problem for manager Rob Thomson to have as the Phillies approach Opening Day. But it could get complex as the season goes along. Top prospect Andrew Painter took the latest step in his recovery from Tommy John surgery this week, and his recovery could help lead him to a key role as the 2025 season rolls along.
Phillies Believe Top Prospect Andrew Painter Could Play Key Role This Season
MLB.com writer Todd Zolecki reported that Painter threw a batting practice session before the team’s Spring Breakout victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday night. While Painter didn’t pitch in the prospect showcase, he still put on a show against Alec Bohm, Bryson Stott ,and Brandon Marsh.
The session was a significant development as Painter missed the entire 2023 and 2024 season due to surgery. But the Phillies are still high on the 21-year-old and believe he could make his way to the major leagues this summer.
“The Phils are bringing him along slowly. They want to keep him healthy,” Zolecki wrote. “They want to monitor closely, so he has the opportunity to pitch deep into the regular season and possibly the postseason. They believe he is going to be that good.”
If Painter can stay healthy, the Phillies could have a wild card for their pitching staff. The 13th overall pick of the 2021 draft posted a 6-2 record and a 1.56 ERA in 22 starts across Low-A Clearwater, High-A Jersey Shore, and Double-A Reading in 2022 before going under the knife the following spring. Painter also was able to return to make six starts in the Arizona Fall League, posting a 2-0 record and a 2.30 ERA in six starts (15.2 innings) for Glendale.
The injury hasn’t slowed the hype on Painter, who enters as the No. 8 overall prospect on MLB Pipeline and the No. 9 overall prospect on Baseball America’s list entering the 2025 season. But regardless of whether Painter makes an immediate impact, he’s happy to just be on the mound as the Phillies reach the final stretch of Spring Training.
“I’d take any game action,” Painter told Zolecki. “But I’ve got to take what I can get. …First one. The biggest thing is health, walking out of there and feeling good. I feel like stuff was coming out pretty good. Talking to some of the hitters, they said the same.”