The Philadelphia Phillies updated the injury status of multiple players on Thursday afternoon including prized prospect Andrew Painter.
Painter, 19, was shut down in early March because of discomfort in his elbow after his first Grapefruit League start. The initial MRI showed a right proximal ulnar collateral ligament sprain and a second opinion from renowned elbow doc Neal ElAttrache confirmed the injury. While disappointing, the overall diagnosis was favorable for the young phenom. Tommy John surgery was not required and Painter would rest for a few weeks.
We now have a potential timetable for Painter’s return to the mound.
The Phils’ and Painter are targeting a midsummer return to the mound. While the return is not likely to occur in Philadelphia, Painter will likely get a half-season on the books for 2023 and could be an interesting piece for the Phillies during the dog days of summer.
Painter will begin a light tossing program on March 29 and he will ramp up his rehabilitation if there are no setbacks. An extended Spring Training stay for Painter is a likely scenario before being sent to Double-A Reading or Triple-A Lehigh Valley to continue his rehab.
Before the injury, Painter –the No. 6 overall prospect in baseball– was having a strong camp and was in the mix for the Phils’ fifth starter spot. He spent 2022 with Low-A Clearwater, High-A Lakewood, and Reading compiling a 6-2 record with a 1.48 ERA, 167 Ks, and a .88 WHIP enroute to Minor League Pitcher of the Year honors.
Stay tuned as the Phillies continue to update Painter’s progress over the next few months.
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