Phils pitching prospect Andrew Painter has sprained elbow
Philadelphia Phillies Andrew Painter fields a ground ball during a spring training baseball workout Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023, in Clearwater, Fla. Credit: AP/David J. Phillip
CLEARWATER, Fla. — Top Philadelphia Phillies prospect Andrew Painter won't throw for four weeks because of a sprained ligament in his right elbow.
The 19-year-old right-hander's fastball touched 99 mph in his spring training debut on March 1 against Minnesota, and he came into camp the next day and said he felt “tenderness” in his elbow.
He underwent an MRI on March 3 and the Phillies said Friday that a second opinion confirmed a right proximal ulnar collateral ligament sprain.
Medical staff and Painter's doctor recommended Painter rest for four weeks from the date of injury and then begin a light tossing progression.
Philadelphia has been cautious with Painter throughout the minor leagues. Painter sprinted through Philadelphia’s system in 2022, going 6-2 with a 1.48 ERA in 26 appearances spread across two Class A squads and Double-A Reading.
Painter emerged the top candidate to win the Phillies’ fifth-starter job as he attempted to crack the starting rotation before his 20th birthday on April 10. That role could fall to Bailey Falter.
The 6-foot-7 Painter was the 13th overall pick in the 2021 amateur draft and signed for a $3.9 million bonus. He, nearly reached 100 mph on the radar gun while facing Carlos Correa in the first inning last week.
Philadelphia Phillies' pitcher Andrew Painter, delivers in the first inning during a spring training baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Wednesday, March 1, 2023, in Fort Myers, Fla. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) Credit: AP/Brynn Anderson
