Philadelphia Phillies Now Have a Clear Frontrunner for Their Fifth Rotation Spot
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The Philadelphia Phillies are awaiting news and a prognosis on top prospect Andrew Painter's elbow. After feeling some mild discomfort, Painter underwent tests and an MRI to determine the extent of the damage.
Painter was one of the frontrunners in taking the final spot in the Phillies rotation. Even at just 19 years old, there was plenty of hope from the front office and coaching staff that Painter just might be able to pull it off.
Now, those plans will have to be shelved. Even if there is no structural damager, Painter will be shut down for a period of time. Opening Day is a near zero-possibility at this point.
It begs the question: who will take the final rotation spot?
Enter Painter's biggest competition, Bailey Falter.
Falter, a big lefty, has always been the underdog. When called upon late last season to chew up some innings while Zack Wheeler was on the injured list, Falter excelled.
His postseason performances painted a different picture however.
Still, Falter is now the frontrunner to take the rotation spot because of his track record at the MLB level. And for the simple fact that their really isn't anyone in house that Philadelphia can call upon.
This doesn't preclude Painter from making his debut this season.
In fact, the Phillies were going to have to determine how to limit Painter's innings this season. After pitching 103.2 innings last season, a massive jump from 2021, there was no expectation that Painter could exceed 150 innings pitched.
Now, as long as their is no structural damage, they won't have to worry about Painter's workload. He may even be given a chance to develop just a little bit longer as the final polish is put on.
Until then, Falter, a quintessential fifth starter in the MLB, will be just that for the Philadelphia Phillies.
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