The hope was for the Philadelphia Phillies to have something in right-hander Andrew Painter. It was very obvious that the Phillies didn't win, and they decided to option him, a decision that made plenty of sense, unfortunately.
Painter has not really proven much throughout his minor-league or major-league career, though many considered him one of the top prospects in Major League Baseball just a few years ago. Some injury issues have caused problems, though it was evident that Philadelphia was hoping he'd be a really good arm for the organization in the short and long term.
Unfortunately, that resulted in some brutal showings at times, posting a 7.06 ERA in his first cup of coffee in the show.
The Phillies, unfortunately, really haven't been able to figure out their fifth rotation spot, even if they have four of the better starters in Major League Baseball in front of that. I think one can make a strong argument that even if Philadelphia got average production out of its fifth spot, we'd be looking at the best rotation in baseball by some margin.That's why MLB.com believes there's a real opportunity for Philadelphia to add to the rotation before this year's Major League Baseball trade deadline.
“The Phillies' Trade Deadline needs depend largely on which question you're asking. For their World Series hopes, bullpen help and a right-handed bat loom largest. But overtaking the Braves in the NL East may hinge on something more mundane: a reliable fifth starter.
“The Phillies have gotten a 7.33 ERA from their fifth rotation spot in 2026, and they are 5-20 when someone other than Cristopher Sánchez, Zack Wheeler, Jesús Luzardo or Aaron Nola starts. So while they won’t need a No. 5 starter in the playoffs, the spot is still a significant concern,” MLB.com wrote.
I don't always love saying that while they won't need one for a playoff series, they shouldn't go out and get one, which MLB.com pretty much alluded to here, adding that it's a major concern.
However, that's why I don't think the Phillies really need to go out and get another ace, unless they plan to move someone like Aaron Nola to the bullpen, which, again, is always possible.
