Andrew Painter posted a 4.56 ERA over five starts in Triple A after he was demoted in mid-June. Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images
July 31, 2026 Updated 10:32 am EDT
Andrew Painter has rejoined the Phillies six weeks after his demotion to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, a league source confirmed to The Athletic before Friday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles. The source spoke on condition of anonymity because the move had not been officially announced.
Painter, a long-heralded pitching prospect, produced a 7.06 ERA in his first 14 major-league outings this season. His fastball, once his premier pitch, did not fool major-league hitters. He fell toward the first-base side while throwing, which affected his command. His split-change did not move well. His confidence seemed shaken as it all unraveled.
The move, first reported by Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia, comes as the Phillies pursue a fifth starter ahead of Monday’s trade deadline.
Painter is one of several pitchers who have rotated through the fifth spot this season. It is a group that has struggled mightily. The Phillies are 5-21 in games started by the fifth starter in their rotation. It appeared the Phillies were leaning toward using Brian Keller, who pitched in bulk relief in the last game started by the fifth spot, on Friday, before they decided to recall Painter.
Painter, 23, posted 4.56 ERA in five Triple-A outings after he was optioned in mid-June. He had two of his best Triple-A starts in Indianapolis last week, allowing three runs and striking out 14 across 11 innings. In the start prior to those two, he gave up seven runs in 2 2/3 innings.
But he and the Phillies have felt encouraged by several developments in Triple A. Painter said his fastball has looked its best by underlying metrics since he underwent Tommy John surgery in 2023. He has focused on preloading his delivery in his back leg, which has improved his power and command. He has turned his split-change into a circle-change.
However, questions will surround Painter until he performs consistently at the major-league level. He will have the opportunity to start doing so on Friday in Baltimore.
This story will be updated.Â
— Matt Gelb contributed to this report.Â
Jul 31, 2026
Connections: Sports Edition
Spot the pattern. Connect the terms
Find the hidden link between sports terms
Play today’s puzzle