Andrew Painter is in Philadelphia for a short visit

As the Phillies deal with injuries and poor performance within the starting rotation, top prospect Andrew Painter was in Philadelphia for a visit.

The right hander was in the Phillies clubhouse prior to Tuesday’s game against the Blue Jays. He had a temporary locker in between Andrew Vasquez and Matt Strahm.

Manager Rob Thomson said Painter will be in Philadelphia on Tuesday and Wednesday to continue his throwing program. It’s a chance for the medical and coaching staff to get their eyes on him. He’s been rehabbing exclusively in Clearwater, Florida. Painter could begin doing flatground work next week.

“He hasn’t had any setbacks, knock on wood,” Thomson said. “Everything is going fine.”

Prior to suffering a right proximal ulnar collateral ligament in spring training, Painter was in competition to win the final spot in the Phillies starting rotation. All indications were that he was in the driver’s seat, but then he was shut down after his first and only Grapefruit League start and now the Phillies are hoping he’ll be healthy enough to make his MLB debut at some point later this season.

He could be the quintessential internal trade deadline acquisition that general managers always seem to talk about around the end of July. That’s if the rehab continues to go well, however.

The Phillies are not going to rush him back, but they badly need someone with Painter’s upside in the rotation. The Phillies reasonably expect Aaron Nola, Zack Wheeler and Taijuan Walker, who have combined for a 4.92 ERA, to bounce back.

Bailey Falter, who has allowed nine earned runs over his last two starts, occupies the No. 5 spot in the rotation. He’s still in the rotation for the time being. Thomson previously said that Nick Nelson, who is working as a starter in Lehigh Valley, is seen more as a long relief option. Cristopher Sánchez is the most likely name to get the call if the Phillies decide to take Falter out of the rotation.

While Painter is still weeks — maybe months — away from pitching off the mound in a competitive environment, the Phillies will get a boost this weekend. Ranger Suárez is expected to make his first start of the season this weekend against the Colorado Rockies.

Thomson said he will announce which day Suárez will pitch prior to Wednesday’s game.

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