Phillies' Andrew Painter the latest in growing list of top pitching prospect injuries

MLB.com's No. 6 overall prospect entering 2023, the 19-year-old Painter is also the top pitching prospect in all of baseball. He was looking to become the first teenager to play for the Phillies since 1980, but that chance has now likely gone out the window, as he'll turn 20 on April 10.

Opening Day is March 30.

Between three levels of minor league baseball last season (including Double-A Reading) the 6'7" righty went 6-2 with a 1.56 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 155 to 25 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 22 starts covering 103.2 innings pitched. With a four-pitch repertoire -- including a fastball that can touch triple digits -- Painter was a definite candidate to make Philadelphia's starting rotation at the end of the month.

From teammate Kyle Schwarber to Minnesota Twins shortstop Carlos Correa, Painter has brought a buzz with him anywhere he's thrown during spring training.

Fortunately for the reigning NL champions, they have depth in their starting rotation and shouldn't need Painter yet. Among the top arms in Philly are fourth-place NL Cy Young finisher Aaron Nola, 2021 NL Cy Young runner-up Zack Wheeler and newcomer Taijuan Walker.

Whenever Painter does make his home MLB debut though, Citizens Bank Park is sure to be rocking.