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Phillies' Andrew Painter to Debut as No. 5 Starter

3/21/2026

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Summary

Painter's Opening Day

Andrew Painter, the Philadelphia Phillies' right-handed pitcher, will debut March 31 against the Washington Nationals after making the Opening Day roster as the No. 5 starter.
The 22-year-old is a 2021 first-round pick who recovered from Tommy John surgery and posted 2.31 ERA and 0.77 WHIP in four spring starts.
With Zack Wheeler on the injured list, Painter must secure his rotation spot early to maintain his place.

History

Historical Context

In 1974, Dr. Frank Jobe performed the first successful ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction, known as Tommy John surgery, on pitcher Tommy John. This groundbreaking procedure has since transformed baseball, with over 1,000 players, including Andrew Painter, benefiting from it. The surgery's success has reshaped player rehabilitation, allowing many to extend their careers and significantly impacting professional baseball's approach to injuries.

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Painter's Opening Day

Andrew Painter, the Philadelphia Phillies' right-handed pitcher, will debut March 31 against the Washington Nationals after making the Opening Day roster as the No. 5 starter.
The 22-year-old is a 2021 first-round pick who recovered from Tommy John surgery and posted 2.31 ERA and 0.77 WHIP in four spring starts.
With Zack Wheeler on the injured list, Painter must secure his rotation spot early to maintain his place.

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