The official Andrew Painter injury update is here.
The team announced Friday that the Phillies right-hander has a right proximal ulnar collateral ligament sprain. He underwent an MRI on March 3.
Painter sought a second opinion from renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache. Both ElAttrache and the Phillies medical staff recommend four weeks of rest from the time of injury followed by a “light tossing progression.”
Since the injury occurred last week and it took a week for the Phillies to obtain ElAttrache’s opinion, Painter will essentially rest for three weeks and then begin progressing towards a return.
The Phillies did not provide an estimated return timeline.
The news officially takes Painter out of contention for a spot on the Phillies’ Opening Day roster. Bailey Falter will likely slot in as the club’s No. 5 starter.
We’ll have more on this story as more information becomes available.