As usual Gelb has the best analysis, if not any more info
Waiting on Painter
The Phillies are expected to deliver an update Monday on Painter’s “tender elbow” after disclosing the injury last Friday. The team was waiting on another doctor’s opinion; it’s unclear whether the Phillies or Painter had solicited that opinion. The team did not disclose what tests were performed on Painter after he reported the discomfort.
The delay to provide a diagnosis only generated more concern, although it’s possible it was simply due to it being a weekend and a second opinion not immediately available.
There’s a chance Painter’s soreness is not serious. But any pause to his throwing program now, less than a month before Opening Day, probably ends his age-defying bid at a rotation spot. The Phillies do not have a reason to push him if there is even the slightest reservation about his health.
But they were not looking for an excuse to slow the 19-year-old prospect. In the days after his Grapefruit League debut, rival evaluators — scouts and analysts — marveled at Painter’s poise and stuff. His pitches played, in both objective and subjective measurements. If Painter looked the part and handled the mental stress this spring, the Phillies were going to include him in the initial rotation. Simple as that.
There will always be consternation about an unusual plan like this. The Phillies have to manage Painter’s innings — elbow ailment or not — but it’s not quantum physics. It can be done.
April presented one challenge: The Phillies have a stretch of 16 straight days with games, the second-longest run without an off day on the entire schedule. Painter has never pitched on regular (four days’) rest as a professional. It was one of the biggest factors working against him. Now, the elbow looms over everything.
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