Feb 23, 2023; Clearwater, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Andrew Painter (76) during photo day at BayCare Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports Nathan Ray Seebeck
While the most notable news item from Rob Thomson's pregame meeting with the media Thursday was that Taijuan Walker will move to the bullpen, there was perhaps a more noteworthy piece of information as it pertains to the long-term future of the Phillies.
According to Thomson, No. 1 overall prospect Andrew Painter "had a little bit of a setback" in his recovery from Tommy John surgery. The Phillies "pulled back on him for a little bit," and then he got sick.
A Phillies official later made some corrections, saying that Painter dealt with soreness that is normal when recovering from Tommy John surgery and that the illness was more what slowed him down. Painter was sick early last week.
In any event, The Athletic's Matt Gelb reported Thursday that Painter "remains on track to face hitters in a simulated setting later this year," adding that he actually threw a bullpen session in Florida earlier today.
Painter was selected by the Phillies with the No. 13 overall pick in 2021 MLB Draft, and appeared poised for a meteoric rise that would land him on the Opening Day roster in 2023.
However, he suffered an elbow injury in Spring Training, and eventually underwent Tommy John surgery on July 25, 2023.
The expectation all along was that Painter would miss the entirety of 2024, and then be a factor in 2025. That hasn't changed. But any soreness is a reminder that while the Phillies can be hopeful that the 21-year-old has an impact in their starting rotation next season, it wouldn't be wise to bank on that happening.
