On Tuesday, the Phillies moved the 22-year-old right-hander from Single-A Clearwater to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, where he’s set to make his debut Thursday at Coca-Cola Park. This marks a significant step in his recovery journey after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2023.
He, on an innings limit this season, had a delayed start following spring training. In his four outings with the Clearwater Threshers, he posted a 3.97 ERA, recording 12 strikeouts and just one walk over 11 1/3 innings. He pitched four innings in his latest start, allowing three runs including two home runs, and threw 42 pitches before finishing with 18 more in the bullpen.
Phillies manager Rob Thomson gave a positive update last Friday, saying Painter is healthy and showing strong stuff. “Now we’re going to increase the level of competition,” Thomson noted.
Painter is expected to pitch around four innings or throw between 60–65 pitches in his Triple-A debut against Worcester. The team’s goal is to have him ready for a potential major-league call-up by July.
He joins a hot IronPigs team tied for the International League’s best record at 23-11. In Tuesday’s series opener against the WooSox, righty Nabil Crismatt tossed six scoreless innings in a 6-4 extra-inning loss. Kyle Tyler is slated to pitch Wednesday, followed by Painter on Thursday, Alan Rangel on Friday, and Mick Abel on Saturday. No starter has been announced yet for Sunday’s game, though Crismatt would be on regular rest.
