Philadelphia Phillies prospect Andrew Painter pitched two scoreless innings in his 2026 spring training debut against the New York Yankees on March 1. The 28th-ranked MLB prospect struck out Jasson Domínguez in a brief outing following his recovery from Tommy John surgery three years ago. Painter is expected to compete for a spot in the Phillies' rotation this season.
Andrew Painter, long anticipated by fantasy baseball managers, returned to spring training action after undergoing Tommy John surgery at age 19, which derailed his early career trajectory. Now healthy, the Phillies' highly regarded prospect faces the Yankees and delivers a solid, if understated, performance: two innings without allowing a run and one strikeout against former top prospect Jasson Domínguez.
Painter's average draft position (ADP) in Yahoo leagues stands at 205, but his recent appearance suggests he could rise in value as he eases into a potential rotation role for Philadelphia.
Elsewhere in spring training, New York Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton described severe elbow pain, stating he “can’t open bottles, can’t open a bag of chips.” Stanton, who last played over 140 games in 2018, posted a .944 OPS and 24 home runs in 77 games last season despite injury setbacks. His ADP is 193.
Pittsburgh Pirates' top overall prospect Konnor Griffin, aged 19, impressed with three spring training home runs, including two against Ranger Suárez on February 24 and another on March 1. The 6-foot-4, 222-pound outfielder slashed .333/.415/.527 with a .941 OPS in the minors last year. His ADP is 195.6, positioning him as a speculative stash.
New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor, recovering from left hamate surgery, had stitches removed and remains on track for Opening Day. Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll, post-right hamate surgery on February 11, is pushing to play against the Dodgers on March 26.
Los Angeles Angels' Mike Trout reached a sprint speed of 29.9 feet per second—his highest since a 2024 meniscus tear—aiming for 30 feet per second this season. After a 2025 campaign of .232/.359/.439 with 26 home runs in 130 games, Trout's ADP is OF58.
Yankees acquisitions and prospects also shone: Ryan Weathers threw a 99.8 mph pitch in a 3.2-inning outing with five strikeouts and no walks.
