David Chao, MD
2 min read • March 11, 2023
Posted in
Andrew Painter, the Philadelphia Phillies 19-year-old pitching phenom and MLB’s #6 overall prospect, suffered a tear in his UCL, the Tommy John tendon, meaning he will miss the start of the season.
Reports are the young power pitcher will sit out a month and then begin a light throwing program but our panel of Pro Baseball Docs are weary of this course of action for Painter.
The issue is likely a partial tear as there is no way to pitch through a Grade 3 sprain (complete tear), according to the Pro Baseball Docs.
Opting to try and heal the issue on it own without surgery is typically not the best option, with most choosing surgery eventually.
In history there are outlier cases like former New York Yankees pitcher Masahiro Tanaka, who suffered a partial UCL tear in 2014 and chose against surgery, but most throwers opt for the surgical route.
While most expected Tanaka’s arm to give out, he never underwent surgery but did play just seven years total. What’s different from Painter is age, as Tanaka was 25 when the issue occurred.
Others that have gone down this path without eventual surgery, including Phillies teammate Aaron Nola, Ervin Santana and Anthony DeSclafani.
Even if Painter can achieve a short term return, waiting to solve the problem does not fit the long term vision Philadelphia should have with their number one prospect.
The 13th overall pick in 2021 is unlikely to go through his career without Tommy John surgery and it may be in his best interest to do the surgery now without the issue looming while he continues to develop.
This is in no way the end of his career as Tommy John surgery is almost a rite of passage among today’s elite pitchers.
Our Docs would be shocked if he pitches in the majors this year. His best chance to be effective would be a return next year with a surgically repaired UCL.
Phillies/Painter have chosen the wait and see approach, a plan that does not bode well for the 19-year-old.
Written by David Chao, MD
Top Phillies prospect Andrew Painter has a tear in his UCL, the team announces. He'll sit out for a month and then start a light throwing program to see if he can pitch through it.
