Philadelphia Phillies Take Sigh of Relief Following Painter Injury News

The Philadelphia Phillies may have avoided the worst when it comes to their top prospect Andrew Painter and his elbow injury.
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The Philadelphia Phillies were expecting the worst when it came to their top prospect Andrew Painter just 24 hours ago. 

Now, they can take a big sigh of relief. 

According to new test results, Painter's elbow injury appears to be less severe than they feared. In fact, according to Rob Thomson, the elbow has shown healing. 

On Friday Painter was such down from baseball activities after experiencing discomfort in the elbow in question. Obviously, the worst was feared and what measures were going to have to be taken.

But according to The Athletic, Painter underwent a "more extensive MRI arthrogram to assess the elbow" which brought back better news. 

Still, Painter has been shutdown until he no longer feels discomfort in the elbow. 

It's the best and safest option for Painter as the Phillies want to protect their top prospect for the short term rather than rush him back in hopes he can stick as their fifth starter.

Either way, it appears Painter has avoided the worst case scenario. 

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Kade Kistner
KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Phillies. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl.  During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated.  Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.