Phillies' top pitching prospect set to make Triple-A debut

This is a big step for Painter, who underwent Tommy John surgery in July 2023 and returned to the mound during the Arizona Fall League in 2024.

Philadelphia has been extra cautious with the right-hander over the last year. He didn't appear in spring training and began his 2025 campaign in Low-A Clearwater.

In four starts, the 22-year-old posted a 3.97 ERA in 11.1 innings pitched with 12 strikeouts and one walk. 

Between three levels in 2022, with the highest being Double-A, Painter achieved a stunning 1.56 ERA in 22 starts, striking out 155 batters in 103.2 innings. 

Painter was drafted by the Phillies 13th overall in the 2021 MLB Draft out of high school. The imposing 6-foot-7 starter has been touted as baseball's top right-handed pitcher for years, and his debut will be highly anticipated.

The organization previously stated that they expected Painter's debut to be "July-ish." He appears on track to meet that tentative deadline. However, it all depends on how he fares in Triple-A.

Ranger Suarez is set to rejoin the Phillies' rotation on Sunday, bringing their starting staff to six. If Painter debuts in the coming months, they may have to move someone to the bullpen.

For now, though, Philadelphia fans should be excited, as Painter is that much closer to his big-league debut.