The Philadelphia Phillies are one of the top teams in the National League, but recently, they lost one of their best players due to an unfortunate injury. Zack Wheeler is going to miss the remainder of the season, leaving the Phillies without a top Cy Young candidate.
While it's a brutal blow, the Phillies have a few other options to turn to. Aaron Nola could rediscover his elite potential, while Cristopher Sanchez, Ranger Suarez, and Jesus Luzardo can continue to dominate on the mound.
But the Phillies could also turn to Andrew Painter, their top prospect, to make a huge impact on the team. Eric Karabell of ESPN predicts the Phillies call up Painter, while also predicting it goes about as well as it could.
Phillies Predicted to Call Up Andrew Painter, Who Has Ideal Beginning to Big League Career
"The Phillies call up top pitching prospect Andrew Painter on September 7th, and he goes 3-0 with a 1.50 ERA," Karabell predicts.
If this prediction were to come true, there wouldn't be a more ideal scenario for the Phillies heading into the postseason. If he performs this well, it likely would mean that the Phillies earn a first-round bye and also find a top right-handed starter for October.
With the Phillies continuing to fight off the New York Mets in the NL East, the potential for Painter to make his debut and bolster the rotation is appealing. Not only due to his potential, but to replace Wheeler on the roster, and add another right-handed pitcher to the rotation for October.
Nola has struggled, and Taijuan Walker can't be trusted come the postseason. Karabell's prediction would be the ideal scenario for the Phillies, as a strong start to his big league career in September would be the perfect way for Painter to make his mark on the Majors.
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With spots in the postseason pitching staff open, Painter could be a huge piece of the rotation come October. If he pitches as well as Karabell predicts, then Painter would be a lock to earn a start in October.
With the Phillies looking for more pitching help, as evidenced by their additions of Walker Buehler and Tim Mayza at the end of August, the Phillies could benefit from the emergence of Painter in the rotation.
It's a tall task, as Painter hasn't been the best in the minor leagues this season. The 22-year-old has a 5.21 ERA and a 4-7 record in Triple-A this season with 106 strikeouts and a 1.46 WHIP in 103.2 innings pitched.
There's no guarantee he makes his big league debut in 2025. This prediction is a bold one, and it would be a dream scenario for the Phillies and their fans.
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