Minor League Games - May 15th, 2025

phillychuck 2025-05-16 15:09:01 UTC #21

He threw simulated games in ST and threw to the Phils MLB hitters at times. Competitive, recorded innings are not the only things pitchers throw, of course. The idea that he’s not 100% is certainly more than likely. What do they say about TJ surgery? It takes a year to get back? Or is it longer?

zambonir 2025-05-16 15:37:09 UTC #22

Well, it varies. But it will be two full years for him in late July. Even with more minor surgeries or injuries sometimes that first year back is not really 100%

Matt_Winkelman 2025-05-16 15:58:27 UTC #23

It also isn't just the injury return. He has really never had to use a full arsenal to really set up and get guys out. The changeup and cutter/slider are also new pitches that you can tell he is still finding real feel and consistency for. He essentially missed two years of development, and while they could probably simplify things and he could give them like #3 SP production, that probably is not in service of the long term goal.

Austinfan 2025-05-16 16:12:31 UTC #24

Right now the only SP he could replace would be Nola, and that ain't gonna happen with that contract (which I hated at the time and hate more now).

So no reason to rush him, you're not going to use him as a RP (nor should they do that with Abel, starters have more value unless a true closer).

It's a luxury to have such a good stable of SPs that you can take your time with an elite prospect.

VoteForKalas 2025-05-16 16:23:30 UTC #25

I think this is a great point. Painter was able to find success using a limited repertoire until the injury and now they are working to develop him into a complete pitcher. I agree that is much better for him and the team long term, but it will take longer and require more patience from all parties. Having more options in the repertoire is valuable and I hope they stick with him and give him the time needed for that process.

zambonir 2025-05-16 16:29:18 UTC #26

I'd be perfectly fine with him staying in AAA all year and then delivering the Phillies a ROTY and accompanying incentives next year. Arguably even if Nola goes on the IL or somehow loses his spot, Walker is who steps in.

But the narrative had always been that Painter was ready to be the #5 starter with a higher ceiling in '23, and would thus pick up right where he left off two years later.

I don't think they want to make him a reliever, but if he's looking good in August and only has 40 innings to spare, you can use him that way. And in the playoffs he and several SPs will be relievers.

harrisburghusker 2025-05-16 17:05:42 UTC #27

I thought it was great to see him go 5 innings...not too worried about the results yet

phillychuck 2025-05-16 17:27:21 UTC #28

I agree with hh. Healthy innings are the one and only measure right now.

owaistabish 2025-05-16 17:52:20 UTC #29

I personally hope they take it easy with him and let him build the innings this year. I dont see the Phillies bringing back Suarez so he would be a shoe in next year's rotation. Mick Abel is creating a healthy competition with his performance this year.

zambonir 2025-05-16 18:00:02 UTC #30

They have five starters under contract next year even without Suarez (who, agreed, isn't coming back) or Painter. They are clearly in no rush/being careful.

But he also doesn't have to be babied. Coming back from TJ is practically routine. The innings limit would have been there just the same in 2023 if he hadn't been injured.

fish 2025-05-16 18:12:44 UTC #31

My point wasn’t so much a concern that the stuff isn’t all the way back, it’s that I think he’d be pretty hittable to anyone wondering how close he is to a big league call up regardless of what the velo is and pitch count-m/innings is up to. It could come with the flip of a switch, or it could be his sequencing is different and doesn’t allow the fastball to play up (where he used to throw sweepers, even high sweepers, that may have tunneled better with his high fastball).

Work in progress is all I’m saying.