Andrew Painter's strong Triple-A outings keep Phillies rotation options open

Philadelphia Phillies right‑hander Andrew Painter has shown encouraging form after being optioned to Triple‑A Lehigh Valley. In his two most recent starts against the Indianapolis Indians, Painter allowed just three runs over 11 innings, struck out 14 and walked one, posting a 2.45 ERA in that span. The pitcher also threw six innings on Sunday, giving up a single run with eight strikeouts on four days’ rest. Despite the improvement, the team’s interim manager Don Mattingly cautioned that Painter is not yet ready to fill the fifth‑starter role permanently. Mattingly said, "When we sent Paint (Painter) down, it was not gonna be something … now he's ready. It was gonna be let Andrew develop, let him pitch. Keep getting better." Painter’s major‑league record remains poor, with a 1‑8 win‑loss tally, a 7.06 ERA and a 1.66 WHIP over 65 innings, indicating significant work still lies ahead. The Phillies, still seeking a reliable fifth starter as the trade deadline approaches, view Painter’s recent Triple‑A performances as a step forward but not a final solution.