Andrew Painter Expected To Have Tommy John’s Surgery
Andrew Painter’s health has been a mystery that has hung over the Phillies all season. Early in Spring training, he suffered a UCL injury that has kept him from pitching since. It killed the hopes that he could make his MLB debut at just 19 years of age. But it had mostly been radio silence since then. Until recently when there was a bevy of contradictory news. First, he was being shut down. Then we were told the UCL had actually healed. But now we get the bad news. The Phillies’ doctors recommended Andrew Painter gets Tommy John’s Surgery.
Medical update on Andrew Painter: pic.twitter.com/L4lRv0kC4w
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) July 19, 2023
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Well, at least we finally have an answer. But it just brings up new questions. Like why did it take this long to come to this conclusion? At this time, even if Painter has the surgery, it would likely take at least 9 months just to return to baseball activities, and up to 12 to 18 months before he can play again. Which could keep him out for next season too. Suddenly instead of making his debut at 19, he may be 21 turning 22 when he first steps on an MLB mound.
The good news is players are able to recover from Tommy John’s better than ever before. Lots of young players get the surgery and bounce back just as good, if not better. Jacob Degrom had it early in his career and went on to win two Cy Youngs. Adam Wainwright had it later in his career and went on to have several more successful seasons. So it should not affect his career going forward. It is just a shame that we won’t be able to see him until likely the 2025 season, or late next season at the earliest.
Painter is scheduled to see a surgeon for consultation next Monday. And provided that the surgeon also recommends Tommy John’s, he will undergo the surgery at some point after that.
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9 Bullpen Options For The Phillies At The Trade Deadline
Scott Barlow- RHP, Royals
Like several of the Phillies bullpen guys, a slow start has his ERA a bit inflated. But since May he has been pretty deadly. Barlow has shut teams out in 18 of his 23 outings since May 1st. And his ERA was under 3 in each of the past two seasons. He is arbitration eligible for one more season and then will be a free agent in 2025. The Royals are way out of contention. So it could make sense to move their closer at the deadline.
He obviously would not be closing here, or even be in the setup role. But he would be a solid addition as a middle-inning guy. And then would have him for at least one more season.
(Photo by Kyle Rivas/Getty Images)
Joe Kelly- RHP- White Sox
Outside of Aroldis Chapman, who has already been traded, Joe Kelly has been one of the most popular bullpen pieces in trade conversations. The 4.82 ERA would scare some people away, but it is misleading. He struggled in April, but pitched well in May and June. And the stuff is there. His fastball still hits 99, and his curveball is up there in terms of spin rate.
He did go onto the IL in June. But he should be off of it soon. And once he is, should be a prime candidate to be traded. The White Sox are way out of the playoff race. Kelly has one club option left after this season and is due 9.5 million next year if it is picked up.
(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Brad Hand- LHP- Rockies
Speaking of reunions, Brad Hand is also available. He is not quite as enticing of a reunion though. He did not perform that well in the playoffs last season. He had his moments, and his regular season stats were impressive, but in the playoffs, it was often an adventure with him on the mound.
Still, he is having a solid season even pitching in the hitter-friendly confines of Coors Field. His ERA was 3.62 before a recent awful outing blew it up. And he will likely be cheap. If the Phillies blow most of their trade assets bringing in another star hitter and want to go cheap with bullpen help, there are worse options. But there are also many better options.
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
