Philly Leader

Andrew Painter is once again at the center of attention following his recovery from Tommy John surgery in 2023. The 21-year-old right-hander has made a significant leap in MLB Pipeline's Top 100 Prospects list, climbing to No. 8 overall after an impressive performance in last year's Arizona Fall League.

Painter, selected by the Philadelphia Phillies with the 13th overall pick in the 2021 Draft, is among four Phillies players on the Top 100 list. The others include shortstop Aidan Miller (No. 27), center fielder Justin Crawford (No. 64), and catcher Eduardo Tait (No. 93).

Phillies pitching coach Caleb Cotham praised Painter's "aptitude for the game" and his ability to "think very clearly." Cotham remarked on Painter's self-awareness and compared his breaking ball skills to those of Aaron Nola, stating, "It’s easy."

The Phillies are set to start their season with a strong five-man rotation featuring Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Ranger Suárez, Cristopher Sánchez, and Jesús Luzardo—acquired from Miami in a December trade involving prospect Starlyn Caba.

Despite not pitching since 2022 in the Minor Leagues, Painter is expected to play a role this season as his workload will be closely monitored. Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski mentioned that they plan to build up Painter's innings through the Minors before bringing him into major league action around July.

Painter's potential entry into the rotation could be influenced by injuries or underperformance within the team or possibly shifting to a six-man rotation strategy for postseason readiness.

For now, getting back on the mound and performing well are Painter's primary goals as he remains one of baseball’s top prospects according to MLB Pipeline.