It’s beginning to feel like the Philadelphia Phillies need to make a move when it comes to right-hander Andrew Painter. The organization has long hoped Painter would reach the majors and immediately shine as a dominant starter, but a series of injuries over the past few years has slowed that trajectory. His results so far haven’t matched what the team envisioned.
Painter currently carries a 6.43 ERA, and his strikeout total—50 in 63 innings—has been underwhelming given the expectations surrounding him. While it would be unfair to label him a bust at just 23 years old, that narrative could quickly take hold if his performance doesn’t improve soon.
What stands out most is that Philadelphia doesn’t appear ready to send him back to the minors. According to recent reports, there isn’t even a concrete backup plan being discussed.
“The Phillies will not send Painter to the minors. Alan Rangel exists, I know, but the Phillies would prefer not to rely on him in the rotation unless there is an injury. The ideal scenario is Painter figuring it out, obviously. Perhaps they skip his turn in the rotation if this spiral continues, but for now, they are content to help him work through it in the majors,” Charlotte Varnes wrote.
For now, the Phillies seem willing to let Painter work through his struggles at the big-league level, holding out hope that he can still develop into the pitcher they’ve believed in all along.
Phillies Coach Shares Necessary Changes for Andrew Painter
There was significant excitement surrounding Philadelphia Phillies rookie pitcher Andrew Painter entering the 2026 season.
Once regarded as one of baseball’s top pitching prospects, Painter was on track to make his MLB debut in 2023 before suffering an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery. The setback sidelined him for nearly two full seasons before he returned to action and eventually reached the majors.
However, the early results have been difficult. Through his first 12 appearances and 58 innings this season, Painter owns a 6.21 ERA. He has allowed 72 hits, issued 19 walks, struck out 47 batters, and surrendered 11 home runs.
Despite the struggles, the Phillies coaching staff remains confident that adjustments to his mechanics can help him regain the form that made him such a highly regarded prospect.
Coaching Staff Focused on Improving Painter’s Finish
The Phillies believe Painter can get more out of his arsenal by refining the way he finishes his delivery and maintains his posture throughout his motion.
“Getting out there and getting to one side, finishing his hand, taking his hand through the glove — all these things we can say as opposed to kind of just being over-rotational and ripping across,” Phillies pitching coach Caleb Cotham said. “That’s what I’ve seen get a lot better: managing his posture, his move down the mound. It’s getting better and better — closer to what it was pre-surgery.”
While the adjustments have shown progress mechanically, the results have yet to fully translate on the field. In his last two starts, Painter allowed 10 earned runs across just eight innings while giving up 15 hits and three walks.
The home run ball has also been an issue, with four long balls allowed during that stretch.
Currently holding the highest ERA among qualified rookie pitchers, Painter still has plenty of work ahead. Nevertheless, the Phillies remain committed to helping the young right-hander rediscover the talent that once made him one of the most highly touted pitching prospects in baseball.