Phillies' Rob Thompson Gives Update on Top Pitching Prospects' Debut Timeline

Phillies' Rob Thompson Gives Update on Top Pitching Prospects' Debut Timeline originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Philadelphia Phillies drafted right-handed pitcher Andrew Painter in the first round of the 2021 MLB June Amateur Draft, and he's risen to become their top pitching prospect. There's a lot of excitement around the 22-year-old player and when he could make his Phillies' debut.

Before the season, Phillies' president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said Painter could make his major league debut in "Julyish." However, we now have 11 days left in July, and it doesn't look like Painter will debut before then.

Phillies' manager Rob Thompson said Painter will make his next start for Triple-A Lehigh on July 24, which doesn't give the young starter much time before the end of July.

Painter's numbers in Triple-A this year aren't eye-popping as he holds a 5.01 ERA across 12 starts, with 59 strikeouts over 55.2 innings pitched. However, the young pitcher missed the last two seasons due to Tommy John surgery. In 2022, Painter had a 1.56 ERA across 22 starts in the Phillies' lower minor leagues.

The Phillies' current starting rotation is one of, if not, the best in the MLB, and that's without Aaron Nola who should be returning soon. Philadelphia is in no need to rush their top pitching prospect to the major leagues and has the luxury to be patient until he's completely ready.

Andrew Painter (@Phillies) is cruising through three scoreless innings for the Triple-A @IronPigs:

K1: 86 mph slider
K2: 96 mph fastball
K3: 87 mph slider
K4: 96 mph sinker

Tune in FREE to see what MLB's No. 9 prospect does next: https://t.co/lX9hi2VegRpic.twitter.com/EgIoNq9F9Q

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) July 13, 2025

"I think his command isn’t quite where it normally is for him. "His stuff’s good. He’s healthy," Thomson said (h/t Delaware News Journal). "You can’t put a date on (a call-up). I’ve always said the whole time, he’s gotta be healthy and he’s gotta be performing, and there’s gotta be a spot open. So I think he will get to the point where he’s Andrew Painter. I don’t think he’s quite there yet."

When Painter gets to that point, the Phillies' starting rotation will only get scarier. For now, Philadelphia will let the young pitcher get things right in the minors until he's ready to make the jump.

Related: Phillies Labeled Best Fit for Guardians' Three-Time All-Star Closer

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 20, 2025, where it first appeared.