Categories: NewsRumors

The Latest Report on Andrew Painter: ‘Nobody has been told that he needs surgery’

Andrew Painter’s injury status is somewhat of a mystery. (Cheryl Pursell)

With no official word from the Phillies on Tuesday and an off day Wednesday, Andrew Painter injury update watch will enter its sixth day on Thursday.

The Phillies, unsurprisingly, are playing this close to the vest. The silence on this subject is also driving the fanbase nuts.

To keep everyone calm, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reported Tuesday night that “nobody has been told that Painter needs surgery.” Zolecki also added that nothing has been ruled out regarding Painter and that there will be more clarity when the Phillies get final opinions from multiple doctors.

The report also shed some light on why this process is taking so long. Dr. Neal ElAttrache, a well-known orthopedic surgeon based in California, is one of the many doctors providing his input on Painter’s test results. ElAttrache, according to Zolecki, has been unavailable in recent days.

Painter’s agent, Scott Boras, could also be involved in the debate. He provided a statement to the Inquirer‘s Alex Coffey on Tuesday:

“I have extensive studies on young pitchers with extreme velocity at young ages. Andrew is aware and understands his development requires great attention and patience so his rare skill extends throughout a long MLB career.”

Painter pitched two innings in his spring debut last Wednesday against the Twins. He hasn’t thrown since he reported tenderness in his right elbow on Friday.