Heat Check: Phillies Top Prospect Hits 100 MPH in Long-Awaited Return to the Mound
After nearly three years away from live minor league action, Phillies top pitching prospect Andrew Painter returned in jaw-dropping fashion — and the radar gun lit up. Pitching for the Single-A Clearwater Threshers, the 21-year-old flamethrower touched 100 mph three times and consistently sat at 98, sending a jolt of excitement through the Phillies organization and fanbase alike.
Painter’s outing, his first in 938 days, was a short but electric reintroduction. He threw 37 pitches across 1⅓ innings, striking out three, walking one, and allowing two earned runs. More importantly, he showed no hesitation letting the ball fly — a promising sign for a pitcher working his way back from Tommy John surgery.
In early 2023, Painter was on the cusp of making the Phillies’ Opening Day roster as a 20-year-old phenom. But that dream was cut short when elbow issues surfaced after his first spring training start, ultimately leading to surgery that sidelined him for all of 2023 and 2024.
The road back has been cautious but deliberate. Painter began facing live hitters again during the Arizona Fall League in late 2024 and is now ramping up for what the Phillies hope will be a healthy and impactful 2025. According to team president Dave Dombrowski, the organization is eyeing a possible major league debut around July — but there are no guarantees.
“As we’ve said all along, it’s July-ish,” Dombrowski told The Athletic. “He’ll be throwing innings in the minors before that… But will he force his way into the conversation? Only time will tell.”
Philadelphia’s rotation is already deep, headlined by Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola, with reinforcements like Ranger Suarez on the way back. If Painter continues to impress and earns a call-up, the Phillies are unlikely to shift to a six-man rotation. Instead, they could look to creatively pair him with Suarez in a “piggyback” setup — using Suarez to follow Painter and absorb innings as the young right-hander builds stamina.
For now, the focus remains on Painter’s health and endurance. After a 938-day wait, he’s finally back — and throwing gas. If he keeps this up, it won’t be long before the next stop is South Philly.