Competition Will Be Heavy In Phillies Spring Training For Fifth Starter

The Philadelphia Phillies will be looking to performance at spring training to determine who might fill fifth position in pitching rotation.

The Philadelphia Phillies are set with their top four starters heading into spring training.

Barring an injury or two, Aaron Nola, Zack Wheeler, Ranger Suarez and Taijuan Walker are lined up to pitch every four days.

But there will be a battle for the fifth position.

Manager Rob Thomson could go to Bailey Falter, who was quite effective in stretches last season. Or Thomson could turn to 19-year-old Andrew Painter, their top prospect.

Even though Painter hasn’t pitched at the Triple-A level, president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski has said that Painter will have every chance to compete for a spot on the roster in Clearwater, Fla.

By the time Painter got to Double-A Reading, he went 2-1 with a 2.54 ERA in five starts with 37 strikeouts and only two walks.

Cristopher Sanchez is also an option, but he doesn’t appear to be ready for a consistent starting role.

Discussing the fifth starter is a good problem to have. It means the starting staff is deep and talented.

By the time everything shakes out, don’t be shocked to see Painter pitching in Citizens Bank Park every fifth day. He’s that good.

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