Don’t shoot me, I am only the messenger.
One day after his spring debut with the Phillies, the team’s top prospect, Andrew Painter, showed up at camp with what is being described as “elbow tenderness.” Not the news that the Phillies wanted to hear about their 19-year-old pitcher.
Todd Zolecki of Phillies.com reported that manager Rob Thompson told reporters that “Painter came in with a little elbow tenderness yesterday (Thursday).” Thompson also reported that the team sent Painter for some unspecified tests and that there are no results, however, they expect to have them tomorrow (Saturday).
The right-hander is battling for a spot in the Phillies rotation along with Bailey Falter, Cristopher Sanchez and another pitching prospect, Griff McGarry. Painter allowed one run on three hits in two innings of work with his fastball reaching 99 miles per hour.
Painter reached Double-A Reading last season where he made five starts and pitched to a 2.54 ERA after starting the season with Low-A Clearwater and then advancing to High-A Jersey Shore. Overall, the soon to be 20-year-old made 22 starts, throwing 103 innings with a record of 6-2 with a 1.56 ERA.
After his outing against Minnesota on Wednesday, Painter received glowing reviews from Twins hitters, including Carlos Correa, who struck out against the young right-hander. “I believe this kid’s going to be a star,” said Correa.