Phillies Top Pitching Prospect Receives Frustrating News Following MRI

Philadelphia Phillies top pitching prospect, Andrew Painter, has been diagnosed with a right proximal ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) sprain, which was confirmed following a second opinion from Dr. Neal ElAttrache.

The Phillies and their doctors have determined that Andrew Painter has a sprained UCL and it is not torn.

They recommend he rest for about 3 more weeks and then begin light tossing. So he will not begin the season in the rotation. pic.twitter.com/aHMfsbLe21

— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) March 10, 2023

Painter is only 19 years old, and his future in baseball is bright. He dominated the 2022 season, posting a 6-2 record with a stellar 1.56 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, and 155 strikeouts over 103.2 innings of work, split between three minor-league levels. He entered Spring Training with the possibility of competing for a rotation spot, but his injury has dashed those hopes. 

Painter will sit out for four weeks before starting a light throwing program to determine if he can pitch through the injury.

The Phillies are obviously disappointed, as Painter is arguably the best pitching prospect in the game. The team will likely take a cautious approach and limit Painter's workload this season to avoid further damage to his arm.

The Phillies announced Andrew Painter will rest for four weeks from the date of his injury with a right proximal UCL sprain. The diagnosis was delayed because Painter's camp wanted a second opinion from Dr. Neal ElAttrache.

— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) March 10, 2023

There will be more updates on Painter's status as he progresses through his recovery, but for now, the focus is on ensuring he gets the rest and treatment he needs to return to full health.

The hope is that Painter will avoid Tommy John surgery, but only time will tell. 

Photo Credit:  Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports