Baseball's No. 3 Overall Pitching Prospect Out Until 2025

In a devastating blow to the Philadelphia Phillies, they have received medical advice to recommend that their top pitching prospect, and the No. 3 such prospect in all of baseball, Andrew Painter, undergo Tommy John surgery that will keep the 20-year-old out until 2025.

The #Phillies, who envisioned prized pitching prospect Andrew Painter to be in their rotation this year, now are recommending that he undergo a right elbow UCL reconstruction with ulnar nerve transposition surgery, sidelining him until 2025.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 19, 2023

Painter started spring training as a 19-year-old, but looked every bit like the phenomenal young arm he was billed as, prompting thoughts that he could even make the Phillies rotation this season. But he suffered a right elbow partial ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tear on March 2, and has been undergoing conservative management for it since then. 

He was able to return to throwing bullpens and there was some partial healing in his elbow over the last few weeks, but he still reported pain. Following the latest meeting with preeminent Tommy John surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache, the Phillies medical staff has recommended that Painter undergo a right elbow UCL reconstruction with ulnar nerve transposition surgery. 

A terrible break for a bright young light in baseball's prospect pool. 

Photo: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports