Painter’s status on hold
CLEARWATER, Fla. — Andrew Painter returned to the Phillies’ dugout Saturday, but the team didn’t have an update on the condition of the pitching phenom’s prized right elbow.
Painter underwent diagnostic tests after telling the Phillies that his elbow felt “a little tender,” manager Rob Thomson divulged Friday. Thomson wouldn’t disclose the type of tests or whether Painter will get a second opinion. It’s likely the results are being reviewed by multiple doctors.
Painter was in the clubhouse early Saturday morning and watched several innings of the Phillies’ 4-3 victory over the Pirates from the dugout before leaving BayCare Ballpark. He wasn’t wearing a compression sleeve or other protective equipment on his arm.
“He actually said he felt better,” said Thomson, who added that Painter is in good spirits.
Painter is competing, primarily with lefty Bailey Falter, for the final spot in the Phillies’ starting rotation. Regardless of the diagnosis, Painter’s five-day routine between starts will be disrupted.
It’s unclear how it will affect his readiness for the start of the season.
The Phillies were encouraged by Painter’s first spring training start Wednesday against the Twins in Fort Myers, Fla. He threw 29 pitches, mostly fastballs and cutters, including back-to-back 99 mph heaters to Minnesota star shortstop Carlos Correa.
“I believe this kid’s going to be a star,” said Correa, who has the same agent (Scott Boras) as Painter. “He’s got electric stuff. He’s going to be in the big leagues pretty soon, and that’s exciting at a young age with all that potential.”