Inside The Phillies

Philadelphia Phillies Top Prospect Painter Takes Huge Step Towards Return

Philadelphia Phillies top prospect Andrew Painter just made a significant step in his return to the mound from injury.

Kade Kistner

Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
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Philadelphia Phillies top prospect Andrew Painter has just made another step in his journey back to the mound after suffering an elbow injury in Spring Training. 

On Tuesday, Painter reportedly threw a 30-pitch bullpen session. That is an extra 10 pitches from his bullpen a week ago.

The next logical step for Painter could be a longer bullpen or facing live hitters. Both are an important step as he works his way towards a rehab assignment. 

If everything goes well, Painter could still make his MLB debut in 2023, which was the plan coming out of Spring Training before suffering his UCL sprain. 

Philadelphia has long been searching for a fifth starter, a role the team pegged Painter for. 

Easing him back into action to avoid injury was and is the best course of action for sustained health. Painter is seen as a top-of-the-rotation type pitcher. 

He may still get his chance to prove it down the stretch.

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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.

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