Prospects: Painter & Early
Lefty Andrew Painter turned in 4 scoreless innings (4 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 3 K) and Connelly Early blew away hitters for 5 innings (5 IP, 1 H, 2 BB, 7 K) — both flagged as can’t-miss spring outings (x.com) (x.com). Those lines are getting immediate comparisons to top prospect repeats — command plus swing-and-miss stuff that could jump-start their seasons (x.com) (x.com).
Andrew Painter has allowed three runs across 11.2 spring innings and entered camp with a 0.77 WHIP, a stat Philadelphia evaluators point to as evidence his command has tightened after 2025 struggles. (philadelphiabaseballreview.com) Across four spring appearances Painter’s line includes a 2.31 ERA with eight strikeouts and only two walks, figures team sources have cited while discussing rotation depth needs with Zack Wheeler sidelined to start the season. (sportingnews.com) Phillies pitching coach Caleb Cotham has publicly praised Painter’s “high aptitude” for pitching and singled out his ability to work ahead in counts during camp sessions. (mlb.com) Connelly Early made his MLB debut on September 9, 2025 and that first big-league appearance tied a Boston franchise record for a debut by a starting pitcher, a milestone scouts referenced heading into the current spring. (sportingnews.com) Scouting reports for Early note a low arm slot, plus horizontal action on his two-seamer and changeup and an 82–85 mph slider, traits MLB evaluators say underpin his projection as a reliable mid-rotation lefty if the breaking stuff tightens. (mlb.com) National analytics sites flag a clear contrast that supports the “can’t-miss” buzz: Painter’s spring shows measurable reduction in walks and improved count edge, while Early’s 2025 K rates and pitch quality indicate above-average swing-and-miss potential that could translate into stable MLB innings. (philadelphiabaseballreview.com)
