The Philadelphia Phillies have recalled rookie right-hander Andrew Painter from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to start Friday night against the Baltimore Orioles. The club made a corresponding move by optioning right-hander Brian Keller to Triple-A. Painter is already in Baltimore ahead of the outing.
Painter opened the season in the Phillies rotation but was optioned to Triple-A on June 18 after posting a 7.06 ERA in 14 appearances. He has performed more effectively in the minors, allowing two runs or fewer in all but one start this season.
In his most recent Triple-A outing against Indianapolis on Sunday, the 23-year-old allowed one run over six innings while striking out six and issuing no walks. Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly expressed confidence in the pitcher, noting that no one in the organization doubts his ability to succeed at the major league level.
Painter acknowledged ongoing adjustments with his pitches following Tommy John surgery. He said the four-seam fastball has improved somewhat but remains below its pre-injury level.
