Two seasons ago, Phillies prospect Andrew Painter had an electric first full pro season. Painter struck out 155 over 103.2 IP across three levels and finished in Double-A. He looked poised to make it to the Majors in 2023 but elbow problems led to Painter needing Tommy John surgery. After over a year, Andrew Painter made his return to the mound in the 2024 Arizona Fall League and looked comfortable back in game action.
In his return to pro ball, Andrew Painter struck out two over two, gave up three hits, and surrendered two runs.
The good news for the Phillies was that Painter showcased the same velo he did pre-Tommy John surgery. Per MLB Pipeline, Painter was hitting 99-100 MPH, the same velocity he had during his brief, yet dominant run in 2023 Spring Training. He struck out top Giants hitting prospect Bryce Eldridge with a slider.
It wasn’t all good, however, as he surrendered a middle-middle pitch that Josue Briceno hit for a home run in the first. Another middle-middle pitch to Pirates prospect Kervin Pichardo resulted in a RBI double.
Nonetheless, it’s a strong first step for Painter, who missed all of 2024. Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski stated before the end of Philadelphia’s season he could envision Painter in the Majors next season. He very likely will be in Philly at some point, if he can stay healthy.
Philadelphia’s 2025 rotation will include Aaron Nola, Zack Wheeler, Cristopher Sanchez, and Ranger Suarez. The Phillies also have Taijuan Walker on the books for two more years at $18MM a year. But, Walker’s 2024 campaign, which saw significant declines in velocity and production, puts his spot in doubt, regardless of contract.
However, his workload will be heavily monitored, as indicated by Dombrowski’s comments. Painter will also have to work back up to being able to handle pitching on a weekly basis.
Painter wasn’t included in the initial 2024 Arizona Fall League roster list. Before Painter’s addition, the top prospects in the AFL for the Phillies were Bryan Rincon, Gabriel Rincones Jr., and starter-turned-reliever Griff McGarry.