Phillies Option Andrew Painter

Key Points:

• The Phillies have optioned struggling starter Andrew Painter to Triple-A Lehigh Valley after he allowed six runs in two innings during a loss to the Marlins, and will recall an extra reliever to replace him on the active roster.
• Painter has had a difficult start to his MLB career, posting a 7.06 ERA with four consecutive starts allowing at least a run per inning, and is tied for third-most earned runs allowed in MLB this season.
• Despite his above-average fastball velocity near 97 mph, Painter's pitches lack the previous effectiveness and he has been vulnerable to home runs and high contact rates from hitters.
• Painter was a top pitching prospect before undergoing Tommy John surgery, which delayed his MLB debut and has affected his performance; he posted a 5.40 ERA in Triple-A last year and has struggled to keep the ball in the park.
• The Phillies' rotation features strong starters at the top, but the fifth starter spot is now uncertain, with only Alan Rangel as another healthy starter on the 40-man roster, though he has limited MLB experience and inconsistent recent minor league outings.