Phillies

Andrew Painter Spins “New” Pitch in Dominant Arizona Fall League Outing

By Luke Arcaini

Published: Oct 25th, 2024 · 9:49 AM EDT

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Andrew Painter made his third start in the Arizona Fall League Thursday, and it was his best one yet:

Andrew Painter touches 99.2 mph as he spins his first scoreless start of the fall:
3 IP
1 H
0 R
0 BB
3 K
32 pitches; 26 strikes@Phillies | @PhilsPlayerDev | @MLBazFallLeague pic.twitter.com/Cg91vPr1wc

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) October 24, 2024

Painter allowed just one hit across his three innings of action vs. Salt River, fanning three batters. He threw just six balls in 32 pitches, showcasing the command we’ve been waiting to see at its best this fall.

We also saw a new pitch from Painter… kind of. His fastball topped out at 99.2, his curveball was moving, and he didn’t throw a single changeup due to a righty-heavy lineup, per Sam Dykstra of MLB.com. But we saw a slider, something we haven’t seen yet from the 21-year-old top prospect:

“It’s a slider. It’s the same pitch, same grip, just a different thought process. One of them, the slower one, is for a strike most of the time. When I get to two strikes, it’s the same grip, but I’m just thinking to go gloveside away to a righty and in on a lefty. I’m just thinking more heater with it. Same grip though.” – Andrew Painter postgame via Dykstra

Painter is experimenting with a slider this fall. Like he said, it’s the same grip, and “technically” the same pitch. But he’ll use it as a put away pitch, which makes his arsenal even more elite.

It’s great to see the Phillies top prospect back on the mound following Tommy John surgery. Painter has impressed so far this fall, with his fastball touching 100 in his first start two weeks ago.

Andrew Painter in the 2024 Arizona Fall League

• 3 Starts
• 7 IP
• 6 H
• 3 ER
• 1 BB
• 7 K
• 3.86 ERA

The job will be there for Painter to take in the spring, if he’s ready. Dave Dombrowski said in his end of the year press conference that the 5th starter spot will be earned in 2025. It is not promised to Taijuan Walker, for obvious reasons. Dombrowski also said they won’t rush Painter, as they know he’s the future of this pitching staff.