Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Philadelphia Phillies Top Prospect Painter Takes Huge Step Towards Return
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.
More From SI's Inside The Phillies:
- Phillies Star Bryce Harper Doesn't Hold Back on Thoughts About Joe Girardi
- How Mike Trout Will Join the Phillies
- Could Bryce Harper's Favorite MLB Player Join the Philadelphia Phillies in 2023?
- Could The Phillies Soon Be Playing in Wawa Park?
- Bryce Harper-Obsessed Japanese Baseball Star Wants to Play for Phillies
- Six Philadelphia Phillies Declare Free Agency
- Rumored Phillies Free Agent Target Just Opted Out of Contract
- Jimmy Rollins Describes Disrespectful Treatment by Ryne Sandberg
- Phillies Release 2023 Regular Season Schedule
- Picking the Phillies' All-Time Single Season Lineup
