Andrew Painter Could Avoid Surgery; Bailey Falter Rising
2 years agoThe Philadelphia Phillies offered no new information on Wednesday on the severity of top pitching prospect Andrew Painter's tender right elbow, but multiple sources said that nobody has been told that he needs surgery. Another source said that "time is what is needed" for Painter to recover. With Painter ailing, left-hander Bailey Falter has a clear path to being the No. 5 starter for the Phillies to open the 2023 season. The Phillies want to be certain with their diagnosis on the No. 6 overall prospect in baseball. The 19-year-old came to camp with a chance to be the first teenager to pitch for the team since 1980. But that's unlikely to happen now, as Painter turns 20 on April 10. Painter has a shot to be really good, but fantasy managers in mixed leagues may need to pump the brakes on him this year. Nick Nelson is another candidate to make the rotation if Painter isn't ready by Opening Day.
Source: MLB.com - Todd Zolecki
Source: MLB.com - Todd Zolecki