Top prospect Painter goes two innings, touches 99 mph

FORT MYERS, Fla. — Andrew Painter on Wednesday took his first step towards attempting to win a job within the Phillies’ rotation.

The 19-year-old allowed one run in two innings in his Grapefruit League debut towards the Twins at Hammond Stadium. Painter threw a 99 mph fastball to Carlos Correa within the first inning, then he allowed a few hard-hit singles to Christian Vázquez and Nick Gordon within the second. But he confirmed the stuff that made him the No. 6 prospect in baseball, with a reputable likelihood to be the No. 5 starter for the defending National League champions.