The Philadelphia Phillies’ fifth rotation spot has drained the life out of the team all season. The Phillies have gone 5-21 on the season when that spot comes around, it has not earned the team a win since May 18.
At the start of the season, the spot was awarded to the Phillies top prospect, right-handed pitcher Andrew Painter.
Despite a dazzling, long-awaited debut where he spun 5 1/3 innings with eight strikeouts, his season was all downhill.
Following a rough April and May which saw his ERA jump above four, his 13.11 ERA in July was the nail in the coffin for his first stint in the big leagues.
He was sent down to Triple-A Lehigh Valley to try and regain his confidence and command.
In five starts back down in Triple-A, the 23-year-old is posting a 4.56 ERA with 25 strikeouts and eight walks in 23 2/3 innings. However, Painter's ERA was heavily ballooned by a blowup, seven earned runs in 2 2/3 inning start on July 10.
Since that disaster, he has thrown 10 innings with only two earned runs allowed in his last two starts. His decent performance in the minors appeared to have earned him another shot with the major league club.
Andrew Painter has been recalled by the Philadelphia Phillies and is in Baltimore for the team's last series before Monday's Trade Deadline.
While the Phillies are still looking to add a high-caliber starter at the deadline, Painter coming up and shoving could be a benefit for two reasons.
Firstly, if Painter is able to bounce back from his nightmarish first major league stint and perform to the potential he once had, the team may not have to worry about trading for a starter and worry about other needs.
Secondly, a good game from Painter could be used as leverage in trade conversations to get the Phillies the needle-mover they have been waiting for.
It is unclear if Painter will start for the Phillies against the Orioles on Friday, but he is on normal rest and was the expected start for the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs.
The Phillies take on the Baltimore Orioles as both teams start their final series before a pivotal Trade Deadline.
