Phillies top pitching prospect takes huge step in recovery from elbow surgery
Andrew Painter has taken a huge step in his recovery from Tommy John surgery after missing two seasons.
The Philadelphia Phillies received good news in the recovery of the organization’s top pitching prospect from Tommy John surgery. The Phillies’ 2021 first-round pick, Andrew Painter, faced batters for the first time since he underwent the surgery last July, according to Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. He threw 15 pitches on Wednesday and reached 99 mph on his fastball.
Andrew Painter, the Phillies' top pitching prospect, takes huge step in recovery from elbow surgery
Painter was drafted 13th overall in the 2021 MLB Draft out of high school. The right-hander made an immediate impact rising three levels in the Phillies’ minor league system, making it to Double-A in 2022. He went 6-2 with a 1.56 ERA, 155 strikeouts and only 25 walks in 22 starts across the three levels.
Painter is the No. 2 prospect in the Phillies organization behind Aidan Miller, and the No. 33 overall prospect in baseball, per MLB Pipeline. The 21-year-old has high expectations and has lived up to them when healthy.
Painter made just one start in the 2023 preseason in which he pitched two innings, allowed three hits, one earned run and struck out one batter. He left that game with tenderness in his right elbow, ultimately leading to Tommy John surgery a few months later.
The expectation was that Painter had a legitimate chance at making the big league roster in 2023 after only one season in the minor leagues. The elbow surgery has hindered those plans for the last two seasons, but he’s on track to have another chance at making his major league debut in 2025.
Painter could join the Phillies starting rotation as soon as next season
The Phillies don’t want to rush their young prospect as he continues to recover. Painter will continue to keep throwing and ramping up his rehab with the goal of returning back to form next season.
The Phillies' starting rotation at the big league level is among the best. Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola and Cristopher Sánchez are locked into multi-year contracts, and a potential Ranger Suárez extension is looming. The No. 5 starter has been a revolving door in 2024 for the Phillies, so Painter could find himself in that role as early as next season if he continues to progress in his rehab.
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