As Painter’s elbow issue lingers, options arise for No. 5 starter spot
SARASOTA, Fla. — It would have been such a enjoyable story to have Andrew Painter make the Phillies’ Opening Day roster.
It appears like a pipe dream now.
The Phillies provided no replace on Painter’s tender proper elbow once more on Monday, following an eye-popping Grapefruit League debut final Wednesday in Fort Myers. Painter, who’s MLB’s No. 6 prospect, confirmed sufficient stuff in opposition to Minnesota that Twins shortstop Carlos Correa proclaimed, “I believe this kid’s going to be a star.”
Based on conversations with folks about Painter on Monday, there doesn’t appear to be critical concern about his long-term well being. But as a result of he’s a supremely proficient 19-year-old, the Phillies wish to deal with Painter with care, which means there isn’t a motive to hurry him again.
Painter’s setback — he has not thrown a baseball since Wednesday — places left-hander Bailey Falter within the driver’s seat to be the group’s No. 5 starter on Opening Day.
The Phillies will want greater than 5 – 6 starters, in fact. They used 10 final 12 months, though two of them (Nick Nelson and Andrew Bellatti) had been full-time relievers who began as openers. Philadelphia has used no fewer than 9 starters in any season since 2011.
“I’m pretty comfortable,” Thomson stated concerning the group’s starting-pitching depth. “We’ve got some options. I really believe that.”
Sánchez will make his spring debut on Tuesday in opposition to the Rays in Clearwater. He has not pitched this spring due to a again difficulty earlier in camp.
Plassmeyer allowed two hits over 2 1/3 scoreless innings Monday in a 10-7 loss to the Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium after pitching three scoreless innings in his first two spring appearances mixed.
The 26-year-old has impressed the Phillies since he joined the group final summer time, when the Giants traded him for Triple-A catcher Austin Wynns. Plassmeyer had a 7.38 ERA in 11 appearances (10 begins) final season with Triple-A Sacramento, then he righted himself with improved mechanics in Triple-A Lehigh Valley, posting a 2.41 ERA in 16 begins.
Plassmeyer made two appearances for the Phillies final 12 months, permitting three runs in 7 1/3 innings. His huge league debut got here on Aug. 23 with the bases loaded and two outs in opposition to the Reds.
He struck out Austin Romine to finish the inning.
Plassmeyer then allowed three runs in six innings in opposition to Houston on Oct. 5, the ultimate day of the common season. It was a meaningless recreation, however it impressed Thomson and others.
“The moment’s not too big,” Thomson stated about Plassmeyer. “He just has no heartbeat. He throws strikes.”
Strikes are key, as a result of Plassmeyer doesn’t throw onerous. Last season, his four-seam fastball averaged 89.2 mph. He additionally throws a changeup and slider, and this spring he’s incorporating a cutter and two-seam fastball.
“For me, not being a 97 mph guy, the more pitches the better,” Plassmeyer stated. “Just another thing to put in those hitters’ heads, really.”
Plassmeyer simply needs to be prepared. He by no means is aware of when he’ll get his alternative.
“It’s really out of my control, just focus on what I can do every day to put myself in the best position,” he stated. “They’re going to choose the guy they think is best for that job. Focusing on something I can’t control is wasted energy.”
