CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) \u2014 Rookie right-hander Andrew Painter has made the Philadelphia Phillies’ opening-day roster as the No. 5 starter, manager Rob Thomson announced Friday <\/p>\n
The 6-foot-7 Painter, a first-round pick in the 2021 amateur draft, is among the Phillies’ top prospects.<\/p>\n
Painter, who turns 24 on April 10, was slowed by Tommy John surgery in July 2023<\/a>. His fastball averaged 95.6 mph in the minor leagues last year and reached 100.2 mph, according to Statcast.<\/p>\n Zack Wheeler<\/a> is expected to open the season on the injured list as he continues his recovery from surgery after he was diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome.<\/p>\n Philadelphia’s rotation is expected to include Cristopher S\u00e1nchez, who will start the Phillies’ opener against Texas on Thursday, Aaron Nola, Jes\u00fas Luzardo, Taijuan Walker and Painter.<\/p>\n S\u00e1nchez finished second in last season’s NL Cy Young Award<\/a> voting. Pittsburgh’s Paul Skenes won the award. <\/p>\n ___<\/p>\n