Phillies first rounder Andrew Painter promoted to High-A

Andrew Painter (right) was a first-round pick last season. (Cheryl Pursell)

Philadelphia Phillies first-round pick Andrew Painter is moving up in the system.

The right-hander has been promoted to High-A Jersey Shore, the Phillies announced on Monday morning. The 19-year-old had been pitching for Low-A Clearwater since the start of this season.

Painter, the 13th overall selection in last year’s draft, has proved himself as a standout in his first full year of pro ball. Some mechanical adjustments before this season have allowed him to hit the upper-90s mph with his fastball while remaining deceptive in his delivery. Through nine starts, he’s maintained a 1.40 ERA while striking 69 batters across 38 2/3 innings.

After making four scoreless appearances in rookie ball at the end of last year, Painter’s continued progression is a positive sign for a Phillies organization that has struggled to help early draft picks become high-level contributors in the big leagues. While the teenager is still a ways away from a potential shot in the majors, his production so far in 2022 can only be encouraging for his projections.

Now heading to Jersey Shore, Painter will join a BlueClaws rotation that includes 2020 first rounder Mick Abel, power righty Griff McGarry and breakout prospect Ben Brown.