Jayson Stark On When Andrew Painter Could Return From Tommy John Surgery
Today the news came out that Andrew Painter would require Tommy John surgery. he was first shutdown in May when he felt discomfort in his UCL. And outside of throwing a few bullpen sessions, he has not pitched since. The Phillies and Painter obviously hoped to avoid the surgery, but it turned out that was not the case. And immediately after the news came out, the conversation obviously turned to when he could pitch again, and should they have had this surgery back in May to begin with. So to get some insight into when we may see Andrew Painter pitch again, The Best Show Ever talked to Jayson Stark of The Athletic.
Here is what Jayson Stark had to say about Andrew Painter:
“(Andrew Painter) has incredible arm speed. And he believes getting the ligament reconstructed will allow him to be healthy and not feel it for many years to come. If all goes well in the surgery, he is not wrong. But the other thing that stood out to me in the statement was the use of the word timing. Here is how I would translate that.
At any point this year, if he had had this surgery between March and now, he wasn’t going to be a factor in 2023 no matter what. And he wouldn’t be pitching anywhere until sometime in 2024 as he built back up. But the use of the word timing means if he does this now, all of that is still the case. He should still be able to pitch somewhere in the minor leagues next year. And then, if all goes well, he is an impact starter in 2025.”
So not all hope is lost to see him at some point next season. But far more likely is it will be 2025 when we first see him in the Majors. Two years after we originally hoped he would make his debut at 19 years of age. But from how Stark explains it, it sounds like that may have been the case even if he got the surgery back in May when he first got hurt.
Jayson Stark also discussed the Phillies bullpen, the upcoming Hall of Fame Ceremony, and a cool idea the MLB may try out with a Legends HR Derby. You can listen to the full conversation about Andrew painter, and more, below:
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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)
