Fansided

5 Phillies who won’t be on the Opening Day roster but will have an impact in 2023

By Tim Boyle

HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 28: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies stands during the National Anthem prior to Game One of the 2022 World Series at Minute Maid Park on October 28, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 28: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies stands during the National Anthem prior to Game One of the 2022 World Series at Minute Maid Park on October 28, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /
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Philadelphia Phillies, Andrew Painter
Andrew Painter will make it to the major leagues this season. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images) /

3) This is the year Phillies top prospect Andrew Painter makes his debut

Andrew Painter will start games for the Phillies this year. He’ll turn 20 in April and despite only having 26 professional starts, he looks on track to become a late-season promotion candidate.

Painter had a fabulous 2022 season. He went 6-2 with a 1.56 ERA in 22 starts. He finished up in Double-A where he continued his dominance.

One of the reasons why the Phillies have Bailey Falter as their projected fifth starter this season could be because they want to leave the door open for Painter or Mick Abel. Painter might not slot in as the newest regular member of the rotation, but more success on the farm could turn him into a late-season promotion candidate. He could even become a relief option in the postseason. It’s similar to the way the Tampa Bay Rays used David Price in the 2008 World Series against the Phillies.

Hopes are higher than ever for Painter who many regard as the best pitching prospect in the league. It’s a high honor and something Phillies fans aren’t so familiar with.

For decades, many Phillies pitching prospects have fallen by the wayside. Painter feels different. He’s not the best the organization has simply because some needs the title of being the best there is. Painter is a legitimate future star. Fans are hopeful he lives up to his name and becomes an artist on the mound.

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