Andrew Painter is now just one step away from reaching the majors.
The Phillies promoted their top pitching prospect from Single-A Clearwater to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, where he’s set to make his debut Thursday at Coca-Cola Park. The 22-year-old right-hander is working his way back from Tommy John surgery in 2023 and could make his MLB debut later this summer.
Due to an innings restriction, Painter got a delayed start to the season after spring training. He made four starts with the Clearwater Threshers, easing into game action. Now with the IronPigs, he’ll face tougher competition.
“He’s been really good—healthy, and his stuff has looked sharp,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said last week. “Now we’re ready to increase the level of competition.”
In those four appearances, Painter posted a 3.97 ERA with 12 strikeouts and just one walk over 11 1/3 innings. In his most recent start, he went four innings, allowing three runs on two homers, throwing 42 pitches and an additional 18 in the bullpen afterward.
The former first-round pick is expected to throw about four innings or 60–65 pitches in his Triple-A debut against Worcester. The plan is for him to be ready for a potential call-up to Philadelphia around July.
Painter now joins a red-hot IronPigs team, which is tied for the best record in the International League at 23-11. Nabil Crismatt opened the current series against the WooSox with six shutout innings in an eventual extra-innings loss Tuesday. Kyle Tyler is slated to start Wednesday, Painter on Thursday, followed by Alan Rangel on Friday and Mick Abel on Saturday. Sunday’s starter is yet to be announced, though Crismatt would be on normal rest.
