Phillies Spring Breakout

Andrew Painter takes next step as Phillies’ prospects shine in Spring Breakout win

Friday was a big day for the future of Phillies baseball—both on the mound and in the lineup.

Andrew Painter, the team’s top prospect, threw his first live batting practice since undergoing Tommy John surgery, while the Phillies’ top minor-leaguers took down the Pirates’ top prospects 5-3 in their Spring Breakout game.

Phillies Prospects Shine in Spring Breakout Game

Andrew Painter’s First Live BP Since Surgery

Step by step. That’s been the theme of Andrew Painter’s rehab. And on Friday, he took another major one—facing live hitters for the first time this spring.

Painter squared off against Alec Bohm, Brandon Marsh, and Bryson Stott, throwing at less than full intensity but still showing off an improved changeup that caught his teammates’ attention.

Painter isn’t rushing back, and he’s well aware of what happened two years ago when he was competing for the Phillies’ fifth rotation spot and came out throwing upper-90s heat in spring training.

That led to elbow soreness and, eventually, Tommy John surgery. This time, the Phillies are easing him back carefully, with Painter scheduled for a side session Tuesday and more live BPs before camp breaks.

The goal? Have him build up innings in the minors so he can contribute in the second half of the season—potentially when it matters most.

Phillies Prospects Take Down Pirates in Spring Breakout

While Painter was on the back fields, the Phillies’ top prospects were making noise at BayCare Ballpark in a 5-3 win over the Pirates’ prospects.

The big moment came in the seventh inning, when second baseman Carson DeMartini launched a solo homer to break a 3-3 tie and give the Phillies the lead for good.

It was a full-circle moment for DeMartini, who earlier in the game took a fastball off the wrist from left-hander Anthony Solometo. He shook it off, stayed in, and came around to score as Devin Saltiban and Aroon Escobar ripped back-to-back doubles to plate two runs.

Saltiban and Escobar, both 20 years old, are names the Phillies’ player development staff is very high on. Phillies director of player development Luke Murton joined the NBC Sports Philadelphia broadcast and specifically pointed out Saltiban’s power potential and Escobar’s recent growth.

Aidan Miller Shows Off Defensive Skills at Short and Third

Aidan Miller may be best known for his bat, but on Friday, his glove stole the show.

The 20-year-old flashed some serious defensive versatility, making plays at both shortstop and third base.

In the fourth inning, Miller ranged to his right and fired a strong throw from the hole at shortstop to nail a runner at first.

Then, in the ninth inning, he moved over to third base and made a smooth play on a slow roller, charging down the line and firing a perfect side-arm throw to first.

While Miller went hitless in four at-bats, his defense and athleticism stood out. And long-term, the Phillies may have a decision to make on where he sticks.

For now, he’s a shortstop. But if his bat develops as expected, the Phillies may want to move him to third base—a position that could be open in the future.

Justin Crawford Shows Speed, Nori Gets First Look

The top of the Phillies’ order was stacked with familiar names from big-league camp:

  • Justin Crawford (CF)
  • Aidan Miller (3B)
  • Gabriel Rincones Jr. (RF)
  • Otto Kemp (DH)

But the new face in the mix was Dante Nori, last year’s first-round pick.

Crawford, one of the fastest prospects in baseball, flashed his wheels with an infield single and a triple. Meanwhile, Miller and Nori went hitless, but the Phillies aren’t worried—this game was more about getting experience than results.

Pitching Standouts: Moises Chace, Jean Cabrera

Moises Chace, who was acquired from Baltimore in the Gregory Soto trade, started the game and tossed a scoreless first inning with two strikeouts.

Chace has focused on conditioning and velocity in camp, and his fastball sat at 91-92 mph—lower than last year’s mid-to-high 90s but still effective.

Jean Cabrera, another arm on the Phillies’ 40-man roster, followed with two shutout innings, working around two hit batsmen.

Final Thoughts

Andrew Painter’s recovery is trending up, Justin Crawford looks like a game-changer, and Carson DeMartini might be a name to watch moving forward.

While the big-league club prepares for Opening Day, the Phillies’ future was on full display Friday—and there’s plenty to be excited about.

All Things Phillies Spring Training Here >>

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