Phillies' Patience With Andrew Painter Is Paying Off

Despite being very active at the MLB trade deadline, the Philadelphia Phillies did not acquire starting pitching depth. As a result, the Phillies moved forward with rookie Andrew Painter in the back end of their starting rotation.

At the time, the decision was widely questioned, as the 23-year-old had recently been recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on July 31 after being optioned following early-season struggles.

Through Painter’s first 14 appearances (12 starts), he went 1-8 with a 7.06 ERA and 1.66 WHIP over 65 innings, while opposing batters hit .316 against him. June was especially rough, as Painter posted a 13.11 ERA and 2.31 WHIP over 11.2 innings across three starts. He allowed at least five runs, a home run, and two walks in each start.

Painter’s massive rough patch led to him being optioned to Triple-A on June 18. However, Philadelphia’s need for a No. 5 starter only grew, as the spot became a revolving door leading into the trade deadline.

But since Painter was recalled, he has been nothing short of steady and a stabilizing force in the back end of the Phillies’ rotation.

Phillies Finally Reaping the Benefits of Andrew Painter

Over seven starts since July 31, Painter is 2-0 with a 3.12 ERA and 0.89 WHIP across 40.1 innings. Perhaps more encouraging, though, is that opposing hitters are batting just .162 against him during that span. That mark is nearly half of what it was when he was sent down to Triple-A.

Painter’s best start of his young career came on Wednesday against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The right-hander allowed just two hits over seven scoreless innings, struck out six, and did not issue a walk. Unfortunately, Painter’s stellar effort was spoiled after James McCann hit a solo home run off reliever Jonathan Bowlan on the very first pitch in the bottom of the eighth inning to give Arizona a 1-0 victory.