Phillies’ Andrew Painter Gets Worrying Update on Future Big League Debut originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

If Philadelphia Phillies top prospect Andrew Painter wants to make his debut sometime in the near future, he has to be lights out in the minors.

Painter is regarded as arguably the best pitching prospect in baseball, but he had a rough outing in his most recent start. He allowed six earned runs on Tuesday, a concerning sign for a Philadelphia team that is looking to call up its top prospects sometime in the summer.

And according to The Athletic, this could become a potential issue. The Athletic discussed how Painter has struggled to put away hitters who are more patient in higher levels of the minor leagues.

With that only getting tougher if he were to make his big league debut, it’s something Painter has to work on.

“There isn’t much else to do. Andrew Painter, the franchise’s top prospect, could come to the Phillies before Nola is ready to return. But Painter allowed a career-high six runs in his start Tuesday at Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Triple-A hitters have been more patient with Painter than lower-level hitters and are making harder contact. The Phillies expected him to face adversity; they consider it necessary for his development.

“He is scheduled to start again Sunday, marking the first time in his professional career that he pitches on four days’ rest. That is one of the final boxes the Phillies wanted Painter to check before considering him for the majors,” they wrote.

After a tough injury, it isn’t surprising to see Painter have some struggles at times.

However, ultimately, he has a 100-plus MPH fastball, and if he can limit walks and attack the zone, he should be more than fine in the future.

Related: Phillies Listed as Potential Trade Destination for Orioles’ All-Star

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.