Top prospect Andrew Painter finally made his long-awaited MLB debut for the Philadelphia Phillies and he looked every bit the part.
Painter, who battled Tommy John surgery on his road to the majors, handled the moment with poise. “It’s been a long journey. I’m super grateful,” Painter said after his electric debut. The right-hander added that he “felt pretty comfortable out there,” showing no signs of nerves on baseball’s biggest stage.
Yeah, eight strikeouts over 5.1 innings, scattering four hits and a run — that ain’t too bad.
J.T. Realmuto echoed that sentiment from behind the plate.
“You would’ve never known it was his first start,” Realmuto said. “He’s a stud.”
Even the opposing Washington Nationals took notice. Nationals manager Dave Martinez reportedly called Painter’s debut an “unqualified success,” as the rookie righty used his electric fastball and command to keep hitters off balance throughout the outing.
For the Phillies, Painter’s arrival could mark the beginning of a new era atop the rotation and if his debut is any indication, the hype is very real.
