Andrew Painter Is Back: Phillies’ Golden Arm Set to Return to the Mound Friday

Drew Smith
April 6, 2025
Phillies
0 Comments

Get the radar guns ready in Clearwater, because Andrew Painter is finally back.

After nearly two full years away from regular-season action, the Phillies’ prized pitching prospect is scheduled to make his first MiLB start since 2022 on Friday for Low-A Clearwater. And if all goes according to plan, it’s only a matter of time before he’s mowing down big leaguers in South Philly.

Andrew Painter starts in Clearwater on Friday

Rob Thomson said Andrew Painter will begin his climb through the minors on Friday. He will start in Low-A Clearwater and pitch a couple of innings. pic.twitter.com/QpQchAj3vc
— Devan Kaney (@Devan_Kaney) April 6, 2025

Painter’s return is a massive deal for the Phillies. He’s been the crown jewel of their farm system since he was taken 13th overall in 2021, and before Tommy John surgery derailed what was supposed to be a 2023 debut, he looked like the kind of guy who could anchor the rotation for the next decade.

Now 22 years old (his birthday is April 10), Painter has been through it. He underwent elbow surgery in July 2023, but showed serious signs of life in the Arizona Fall League this past offseason — touching 99 mph and slicing through hitters like he never left.

The stuff? Still electric. The command? Still sharp. The hype? Still real.

The Andrew Painter Plan

Manager Rob Thomson says Friday’s start is the beginning of what will be a slow build-up for Painter. The Phillies are playing the long game here — think short outings, plenty of rest, and zero unnecessary risks. They’re still targeting a mid-to-late summer debut in the majors, assuming Painter’s body continues to cooperate.

And yes, the fan base is foaming at the mouth.

Painter’s MiLB numbers are stupid good:

1.48 ERA across two seasons 167 strikeouts in 109.2 innings 15 unintentional walks Only five home runs allowed

And let’s not forget — the dude was dominating Double-A as a teenager.

The national hype is just as strong. CBS Sports slotted him as the No. 14 overall prospect heading into 2025. You don’t get that kind of love unless you’re projecting ace-level stuff. With a high-90s heater, a nasty curveball, and a sharp slider, Painter has the full bag.

What This Means for the Phillies

With Zack Wheeler doing Zack Wheeler things and Jesús Luzardo looking like a total steal so far, adding a healthy Andrew Painter to the mix midseason is like pulling an ace out of your back pocket. It’s a move that could swing the balance in a tightly contested NL East.

The Phillies don’t need him to be perfect right away. But if he’s even 80% of what he was pre-injury? That’s a playoff rotation weapon.

The Painter era is on deck again. Stay patient, but get excited. The Phillies may have found their next superstar arm — and he’s set to start reminding people why on Friday night in Clearwater.