(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
The Philadelphia Phillies got some terrible news on Wednesday afternoon.
It appears that their number one prospect, Andrew Painter, has been recommended for Tommy John surgery.
This was the worst-case scenario for the Phillies and Painter.
They have been working with him since spring training in hopes that he would not need surgery.
Ultimately, it looks like they were just delaying the inevitable.
The Phillies announced that Painter has a surgical consultation on July 24 to see what the next steps are.
Medical update on Andrew Painter: pic.twitter.com/L4lRv0kC4w
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) July 19, 2023
Painter was hoping to be a significant part of the Phillies rotation this year.
He was competing for a spot in the Opening Day rotation before his injury.
Now due to waiting months trying to avoid the surgery, Painter is likely to miss all of next season as well.
This news is not going to sit well with Phillies fans.
fire the medical staff dude this shoulda been done in spring.
— IcyVert (@IcyVert) July 19, 2023
We literally knew this at the beginning of the season… Phillies definitely played this incorrectly
— Billy (@bvance1212) July 19, 2023
Despite the frustration of many fans, everyone hopes Painter can heal quickly and get back on the field.
Hate to see this news. Still look forward to when he makes it up. Heal well, Painter.
— Amber Marian (@amber_marian_) July 19, 2023
Some fans that were hoping Painter could make it back to contribute in the playoffs will have to look elsewhere.
Maybe the Phillies will be aggressive to find another starting pitcher on the trade market.
One pitcher who could be available is Chicago Cubs starter Marcus Stroman.
He is someone the Phillies should look at.
Time To Get Stroman At The Deadline.
— TAIJUANSZN07 (Phils/OriolesFan) (@PHILLYSZN07) July 19, 2023
Ultimately, the news about Painter is a major bummer.
But the team must look for new ways to improve their roster as they make another run at the World Series this year.
The post Fans React To Today’s Andrew Painter News appeared first on The Cold Wire.