Phillies Hoping to Avoid Major Andrew Painter Mistake

The Philadelphia Phillies did not acquire a starting pitcher at the MLB trade deadline. Why? Because of how Andrew Painter looked in his last start.

Phillies president Dave Dombrowski said as much following the deadline, much to the chagrin of Philadelphia fans who wanted another arm in their rotation.

Painter broke camp with the big-league club, but pitched to the tune of a 7.06 ERA over his first 14 appearances. He was then demoted to Triple-A, where he was rather shaky.

That didn't stop the Phillies from re-elevating Painter to the majors before the Aug. 3 deadline, and he impressed in his return start, allowing two runs on three hits while registering six strikeouts over six innings of work.

But we still can't ignore the obvious.

Painter now owns a 6.72 ERA. His WHIP is an alarming 1.606. His 2.19 K/BB ratio is certainly not enviable. Opposing hitters have recorded a 9.4 percent barrel rate against him.

There are a lot of reasons to be concerned about Painter, especially when the Phillies' No. 4 starter is Aaron Nola, who has labored mightily the last two seasons.

Clearly, though, Philadelphia believes in its former top prospect.

The Phillies drafted Painter 13th overall in 2021 and watched as he dazzled during his first full minor-league campaign in 2022, posting a 1.56 and 13.5 K/9 in 22 starts.

But then, the following year, Painter suffered an elbow injury that ultimately required Tommy John surgery, costing him almost all of 2024.

He returned in 2025 and struggled, notching a 5.26 ERA. That included a 5.40 ERA in 22 Triple-A starts.

Understandably, many were worried about the 22-year-old, but at the same time, it was Painter's first full year back from Tommy John. An adjustment period was surely warranted.

That was, until Phillies fans watched the youngster get absolutely shelled over the first couple of months of 2026. Painter's stock has certainly dipped as a result.

Philadelphia probably promoted him too quickly out of Spring Training. The wiser move would have been to get him some more seasoning in the minors before thrusting him into major-league action. Nevertheless, this is now the hand Painter has been dealt.

And the Phillies are obviously putting their trust in his right arm in the heat of a crowded National League pennant race.

Painter is slated to start against the Washington Nationals on Wednesday in another opportunity to prove that he belongs.

Hopefully, Philadelphia wasn't wrong to have faith in him.