Report: Phillies not concerned with Andrew Painter’s long-term health

We’re still awaiting the official word on Andrew Painter’s status.

Two days after his first spring outing against the Twins, Painter felt some tenderness in his right elbow. He was sent out for test results on Friday and as of Tuesday morning, the Phillies have not commented on the official results. It’s possible the Phillies are trying to obtain multiple opinions from doctors on the results and the weekend delayed the process.

The longer the Phillies go without providing an update, the more ominous it all feels. Luckily, one report from Monday night puts some of those worst case scenarios to bed.

Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports that “there does not seem to be serious concern about [Painter’s] long-term health.”

Zolecki went on to add that the Phillies do not want to rush Painter back. If it’s a relatively minor injury, they are not going to shut him down and quickly build him up in order for him to be ready to make a start during the first week of the regular season.

If Painter is out of the running to make the Opening Day roster, Bailey Falter is likely to open the season as the team’s No. 5 starter. He will start Tuesday’s Grapefruit League game against the Rays in Clearwater.

Two lefties, Michael Plassmeyer and Cristopher Sánchez, are also in the mix for a rotation spot. Zolecki also mentioned in his story that Sánchez will make his spring debut on Tuesday. He dealt with a back issue during the beginning of camp.

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