Andrew Painter Not a Slam Dunk for Opening Day Rotation Spot
As things currently stand, the Philadelphia Phillies don't have a set No. 4 or No. 5 starting pitcher, according to Matt Gelb of The Athletic. Cristopher Sanchez, Jesus Luzard, and Aaron Nola are their three healthy starters who are guaranteed rotation spots. The Phillies are hoping top prospect Andrew Painter and veteran Taijuan Walker fill out the rotation, but they aren't slam dunks. Both pitchers need to perform in spring training, but even if they don't, they have to be in the initial rotation as Zack Wheeler continues his recovery from thoracic outlet syndrome. Painter, 22, had a 5.26 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, and 123:47 K:BB in 118 innings over 26 starts with Single-A Clearwater and Triple-A Lehigh Valley in 2025 in his first year back from Tommy John surgery. There wasn't a notable dip in Painter's stuff last year, and he could bounce back another year removed from TJ surgery. A lowered price in 2026 definitely makes Painter an intriguing buy-low candidate with elite pitching upside.
Source: The Athletic - Matt Gelb
Source: The Athletic - Matt Gelb
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