Phillies Superstar Prospect Continues Dominant Arizona Fall League Form

The Philadelphia Phillies superstar prospect has done nothing but impress during the Arizona Fall League.
Feb 23, 2023; Clearwater, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Andrew Painter (76) during photo day at BayCare Ballpark
Feb 23, 2023; Clearwater, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Andrew Painter (76) during photo day at BayCare Ballpark / Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
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The Philadelphia Phillies made waves when they announced they were sending their superstar pitching prospect, Andrew Painter, to the Arizona Fall League.

Not only has he been out of sight, out of mind when it comes to the prospect scene because he underwent Tommy John surgery in 2022 and missed the last two years, but his return to the mound also coincided with Dave Dombrowski stating the Phillies are considering him for the fifth rotation spot at some point next season.

While Painter might no longer be considered the top minor league pitcher, he's quickly reminding people just how good he can be during this AFL stint.

The 22-year-old continues to impress, this time putting together a dominant outing in his third start where he threw three scoreless innings, allowing just one hit while striking out three batters.

This not only was the deepest he's pitched into a game as he continues to build up his arm after his long layoff, but it was also the best he's looked by commanding the strike zone and not getting damaged by hitters.

Painter has now pitched seven innings in the Arizona Fall League where he has allowed three earned runs on six hits with seven strikeouts and just one walk. Two of those runs came in his first outing when he made his return to the mound after a two-year hiatus.

All things considered, this is exactly what Philadelphia was hoping to see.

He's under a strict pitch limit, but he has remained healthy and has continued to get better the more outings he gets under his belt. Facing some of the best minor league players at this event, he has largely shut them down.

If Painter can finish strong in the AFL and build upon this performance during Spring Training, it's going to be hard not to have him factor in for the fifth rotation spot next year, regardless of the innings restrictions they will put on him.


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Brad Wakai
BRAD WAKAI

Brad Wakai graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Journalism. While an undergrad, he did work at the student radio station covering different Penn State athletic programs like football, basketball, volleyball, soccer and other sports. Brad currently is the Lead Contributor for Nittany Lions Wire of Gannett Media where he continues to cover Penn State athletics. He is also a contributor at FanSided, writing about the Philadelphia 76ers for The Sixers Sense. Brad is the host of the sports podcast I Said What I Said, discussing topics across the NFL, College Football, the NBA and other sports. You can follow him on Twitter: @bwakai