CLEARWATER, Fla. — As spring training ramps up, all eyes are on the Phillies’ top pitching prospect, Andrew Painter, who took a pivotal step forward on a morning at the Carpenter Complex. Painter, sidelined the last two seasons due to Tommy John surgery, faced live hitters for the first time this Spring Training. This session, watched by a crowd of Phillies enthusiasts, team executives, and even former Phillies star Cole Hamels, marked a significant milestone in Painter’s journey back to the mound, with hopes of a major league debut this summer.

At 21 years old, Painter’s focus was firmly on health and cautious progress. “First one,” Painter noted with a smile, emphasizing the importance of feeling strong post-session. “Health is the biggest thing,” he added, clearly relieved to report that both he and his pitches felt good, a sentiment echoed by the batters he faced.

The right-hander kept it simple, throwing around 20 pitches. Batters included Bryson Stott, Brandon Marsh, and Alec Bohm, with Marsh managing a solid foul and another hit into right-center, while Stott sent one the other way. What might have seemed like an uneventful outing was instead a calculated, careful approach by Painter, who is taking great care to avoid past mistakes and ensure a strong comeback.

Reflecting on his last experience, Painter shared, “Two years ago, the first one felt really good. And that led to some problems, so I got to take it nice and easy.” It’s clear that wisdom beyond his years informs his current strategy.

Painter showcased his full array of pitches, blending fastballs, sliders, curveballs, and his ever-improving changeup, a pitch he’s been chatting about with Hamels, who’s in camp lending his expertise. Painter felt confident with this complex arsenal, noting, “I felt like I could land most things for a strike.”

This controlled session is as close to real-game action as Painter plans to get this spring. Having put in the work during the Arizona Fall League, the team is preserving his innings for a potential major league push later in the season. If all goes well, Philadelphia might see him in their rotation come July.

Despite not playing in the Spring Breakout game against Pirates minor leaguers, Painter stayed involved, making plenty of fans’ days with autographs and rooting from the dugout. This rising star is staying visible, reminding everyone of the impact he’s poised to make when he steps back onto the field for a real game.

Painter is set to continue rigorously but cautiously on the back fields, steadily preparing for his much-anticipated return. In his own words, “I’ll be here.

I’ll throw a couple more, just kind of build off every one.” It’s a patient approach, one Phillies fans are eagerly watching unfold.