Phillies’ Andrew Painter scratched from start, but could still pitch

Andrew Painter was scheduled to start against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday. However, it was Zach Pop who actually began the game on the mound.

Painter was scratched due to a migraine, via Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Enquirer. Before the game began though, Painter walked out to the bullpen. There is a chance he could still pitch on Sunday despite not starting.

The Phillies are sure to be closely monitoring the former top prospect’s situation. With his injury being a migraine, it wouldn’t be shocking if Painter made his next scheduled start. But at least in terms of throwing against Arizona, Philadelphia has to consider the pros and cons of sending Painter to the mound.

The right-hander has had mixed results over his first two games at the major league level. In his debut, Painter threw 5.1 innings of one-run baseball, allowing four hits and no walks while striking out eight. In start two though, he lasted four innings, allowing nine hits and four runs while striking out one.

Philadelphia is well aware of what Painter is capable of. Over his 52 games at the minor league level, he held a 3.83 ERA and a 290/72 K/BB ratio. The Phillies are expecting the righty to play a crucial role in their pitching rotation for the foreseeable future. One bad start won’t sour those plans.

But ultimately, Painter needs to be on the mound to produce any results. There’s a chance he continues his rookie campaign out of the bullpen on Sunday. But Philadelphia is hoping his next start comes with no injury concerns.

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