Philadelphia Phillies fans, and everyone who likes baseball and exciting young pitchers, got some really bad news on Friday.
Top pitching prospect Andrew Painter was diagnosed with a right proximal ulnar collateral ligament sprain.
Last week, Painter reported some discomfort in his elbow, and the team took its time to get an MRI and two opinions.
The right-hander will now rest for four weeks and then will start to slowly ramp up with the hope of pitching through the issue.
The Phillies think there is a chance to avoid Tommy John surgery by following this blueprint, but there is always a chance he needs it anyway.
Painter was on his way to making his MLB debut this season, probably in the first half.
If he returns to full health after the four weeks of rest, there is still a chance he sees MLB time at some point this season, but there is now fear and concern he might need the long-term ligament-replacement procedure.
The pitcher himself thinks he can be back this year.
Andrew Painter said he’s “pretty confident” rest and rehab now will avoid future surgery, citing opinions from Phillies doctors and Neal ElAttrache. “It’s pretty mild,” Painter said. He said he “absolutely” believes he will be back pitching games this season.
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) March 10, 2023
As expected, baseball Twitter reacted to the news and it had everything, from jokes to more serious messages expressing support to the hurler.
andrew painter’s ucl rn pic.twitter.com/aZRgT4Vcgs
— raj 🐧 (@giantsraj) March 10, 2023
Damn, this is tough to see. Andrew Painter is a 19 y/o hometown kid from Fort Lauderdale, FL. He's been electric in the minors, climbing the ranks quickly.
I hope this doesn't keep him out for long because he's someone to keep a close eye on to start his MLB career very soon. https://t.co/qsv7Tnd7M1
— Cory (@ThatsCory) March 10, 2023
Specialists suggest that there is a chance that if the UCL tear is small, it can heal itself, but these cases are rare.
Most UCL damage eventually leads to Tommy John surgery. Sometimes a very small tear can heal on its own, but this doesn't happen often.
Andrew Painter won't pick up a baseball for 4 weeks then will restart a throwing program. I'm not optimistic about him this season. https://t.co/y4kYQmqZn9
— Inside Injuries (@InsideInjuries) March 10, 2023
Painter has the kind of talent needed to make an immediate impact in MLB as a rookie.
He completely dominated the minors last year and has an upper-90s fastball with rise, ideal to get swings and misses.
Hopefully the four weeks of rest do the trick.
NEXT: MLB Insider Clarifies Andrew Painter's Situation
