Overview
- Painter retired all six Yankees he faced on 20 pitches at BayCare Ballpark, recording one strikeout in his Grapefruit League return.
- His four-seam fastball averaged 96.8 mph and touched 97.8, he threw 14 strikes, and he finished Jasson Domínguez with a slider while also generating whiffs on a sweeper.
- It was his first spring start since a 2023 UCL injury led to Tommy John surgery and a lengthy absence, followed by an uneven 2025 that included a 5.26 ERA at Triple A.
- The Phillies worked to raise his arm slot and refine fastball command this offseason, and J. T. Realmuto and manager Rob Thomson lauded his composure and attack plan.
- With Zack Wheeler expected to miss time and Ranger Suárez departing in free agency, Painter strengthened his case as a rotation candidate pending further spring outings.