The Phillies entered the season confident they’d have one of the top rotations in baseball — and so far, they’ve lived up to the hype.
Through the first nine games, following Sunday’s finale against the Dodgers at Citizens Bank Park, their starting rotation boasts a 2.87 ERA, ranking fourth in the National League. Zack Wheeler has looked every bit like a Cy Young contender in his first two outings. Newcomer Jesús Luzardo has impressed with 19 strikeouts and just two runs allowed over his first two starts. Cristopher Sánchez pitched well in the home opener, though he gave up four runs in 5 2/3 innings against L.A. on Sunday. While Aaron Nola has struggled with giving up home runs, he’s still on pace to deliver his usual full season of nearly 30 starts and 200 innings.
The highlight of the week? Taijuan Walker tossed six scoreless innings in his season debut on Thursday.
Even with that strong group of five, the Phillies have reinforcements coming. Ranger Suárez, originally expected to be in the Opening Day rotation, is recovering from a Spring Training back injury. He recently threw live batting practice in Clearwater and could begin a rehab assignment soon. The team hopes to have him back before April ends.
Meanwhile, top prospect Andrew Painter is progressing toward a possible midseason call-up. Manager Rob Thomson confirmed that the 21-year-old will start Friday for Single-A Clearwater, marking his first Minor League appearance since September 16, 2022. Painter, ranked No. 7 overall by MLB Pipeline, suffered a right elbow injury in March 2023 and underwent Tommy John surgery that July. After more than a year of recovery, he returned to action with six starts in the Arizona Fall League last year.
Although he didn’t pitch in Grapefruit League games this spring, Painter spent camp with the big-league club, allowing the Phillies’ training staff to monitor him closely and giving him valuable time around veterans like Wheeler and Matt Strahm.
Don’t expect a heavy workload in his first outing back — two innings is likely, as the team gradually builds him up. For now, he’ll pitch once a week, which is typical for lower-level Minor Leaguers. The Phillies are being cautious with a player they believe has star potential, aiming to keep him healthy and available for a possible contribution later this season.