Phillies deny Andrew Painter a chance to pitch in spring training
- The Philadelphia Phillies are managing Andrew Painter's recovery from Tommy John surgery without plans to pitch him during spring training.
- Painter will focus on rehabilitation and build up his pitching strength in the minor leagues.
- The organization aims to have him potentially make his major league debut in the summer.
In the United States, the Philadelphia Phillies are cautious regarding pitching prospect Andrew Painter as he recovers from Tommy John surgery. The organization announced that he will not participate in spring training games, which usually take place in February and March. Instead of pitching, Andrew Painter will focus on rehabilitation and throwing sessions to rebuild his arm strength. Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski confirmed this decision while emphasizing the need to prioritize the player's long-term health over immediate game participation. This approach is crucial given the severity of the surgery. Andrew Painter was selected as the 13th overall pick in the 2021 amateur draft and received a significant signing bonus of $3.9 million. His previous performances in the minor leagues demonstrated his potential, where he achieved notable statistics with a 1.48 ERA across 26 appearances in 2022. However, the surgery he underwent impacted his ability to pitch, halting his momentum. Dombrowski mentioned that while Painter will not be pitching in games during the spring, he will work on building up his endurance in the minor leagues, where he is expected to rejoin the field gradually. In addition to minor league rehabilitation, Andrew Painter made six starts in the Arizona Fall League after his long hiatus, during which he allowed only four runs and struck out 18 batters in approximately 15 2/3 innings pitched. This impressive return, despite limited outings, showcased his continued ability as a crucial arm in the Phillies' lineup. The organization remains hopeful that rehabilitation will go as planned, allowing him to debut in the major leagues during the summer season. The decision to manage Painter’s workload carefully comes as more teams in Major League Baseball prioritize player health, especially after significant injuries that require surgical procedures. The Phillies are optimistic about Painter’s future, and securing his successful recovery is integral not only for Painter’s career but also for the franchise’s aspirations moving forward.