Phillies prospect Andrew Painter set for MLB debut vs. Nationals

Andrew Painter, the top pitching prospect in the Philadelphia Phillies' organization, will make his major league debut Tuesday when the team hosts the Washington Nationals in the middle contest of a three-game set.

A first-round pick in the 2021 draft, Painter posted impressive stats as a minor leaguer before suffering an elbow injury in 2023. He underwent Tommy John surgery and missed more than a year before spending most of 2025 with Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Painter's stats for the IronPigs were disappointing, as he went 5-6 with a 5.40 ERA in 22 starts. He had a solid spring training this year, however, posting a 2.31 ERA in four Grapefruit League starts.

Now it's time for the 22-year-old right-hander to show what he can do in the regular season against major league competition.

"I think game-wise, it'll be just business as usual," Philadelphia third baseman Alec Bohm said. "We come in the same way every day, trying to win a baseball game. But you definitely notice when you've got a guy making his debut on the mound. You want to win ‘em all, but for sure you want to get a kid his first win."

Philadelphia certainly could use a strong outing from Painter with a pitching staff that has allowed 26 runs during a three-game losing streak. The Phillies were throttled by the Nationals 13-2 in Monday's series opener.

"As long as (Painter) throws strikes, uses his stuff and keeps people off-balance, he'll be fine," said Philadelphia manager Rob Thomson, who was ejected in the first inning Monday.

The Phillies managed only a two-run homer by Rafael Marchan in Monday's setback. They have lost three of their first four games to begin the season.

"You always try to stay off that roller coaster," designated hitter Kyle Schwarber said. "We keep going about our work, and we keep trying to get better on a daily basis and keeping even-keeled, not getting too emotional about anything."

Washington's Joey Wiemer reached on a single and an infield hit in his first two at-bats, tying the modern-era record for most consecutive plate appearances to reach base to begin a season (10).

Wiemer is 8-for-10 with three walks on the young season, his first in Washington..

"He plays the game so hard and he brings that energy," Nationals manager Blake Butera said. "It's what he's been since the beginning, and it's just who he is and he knows that."

Luis Garcia Jr. drove in three runs for Washington, while Jose Tena had three hits and two RBIs. The Nationals have won three of their first four games.

Washington will open Tuesday's game with left-handed reliever PJ Poulin (0-0, 0.00 ERA), who has appeared in two of the team's first four games out of the bullpen. He did not allow a run in 1 2/3 innings in those outings, both against the Chicago Cubs.

Poulin appeared in three games against the Phillies as a rookie last season, going 1-1 while allowing one run in 3 2/3 innings.

Butera knows his pitchers will have their work cut out for them against a Phillies lineup that is due to break out soon.

"We know we're playing a really good team," he said. "Philly's lineup is dangerous. ... We know what they're capable of doing."

--Field Level Media