The Philadelphia Phillies have confirmed that prospect Andrew Painter will make their Opening Day roster. Manager Rob Thomson announced the starting rotation, with Painter scheduled for his MLB debut on March 31. Painter impressed in spring training after recovering from Tommy John surgery.
In Clearwater, Florida, Phillies manager Rob Thomson made the announcement on Friday, solidifying Andrew Painter's spot on the Opening Day roster for 2026. Painter, the Phillies' No. 2 prospect and the 28th-ranked overall in baseball per MLB Pipeline, entered camp as a strong candidate and delivered with a 2.31 ERA over four Grapefruit League starts. In 11 2/3 innings, he allowed seven hits, three runs, two walks, and struck out eight batters. His most recent outing was four scoreless innings in a 3-2 loss to the Atlanta Braves in North Port, Florida, where he permitted one hit, one walk, and fanned three. “Painter knows he’s on the club,” Thomson said. The 22-year-old Painter remains focused despite the milestone. “I haven’t [recognized it],” he said after his start against the Braves. “I really haven't. I’m just trying to stay in the present and look forward to each and every start... the realization will hit” when facing big league hitters. Thomson outlined the early rotation: Cristopher Sánchez, Aaron Nola, and Jesús Luzardo start the first three games against the Texas Rangers, beginning Opening Day on Thursday at Citizens Bank Park. Taijuan Walker follows in the March 30 series opener versus the Washington Nationals. Painter's debut comes on March 31, his first mound work at Citizens Bank Park after a simulated game next week in Philadelphia. This caps Painter's recovery from 2023 Tommy John surgery and marks the most anticipated homegrown Phillies debut since Cole Hamels on May 12, 2006.