PHILADELPHIA - Phillies’ manager Rob Thomson kept it simple when asked what he is looking for from prized pitching prospect Andrew Painter when he toes the rubber for his highly anticipated big league debut Tuesday night against the Washington Nationals.
“I just want him to go out there and be himself”, Thomson said pregame.
“His stuff is good, keep his composure, which I'm sure he will, knowing the person he is. I’m just excited for him.”
There will definitely be a buzz inside Citizens Bank Park when the 6-foot-7, 22-year-old takes the mound in front of a frustrated fan base who has seen the team drop three straight games after winning on Opening day including a 13-2 drubbing Monday night to begin the series against Washington who is projected to finish in the basement of the NL East.
Now, the team is relying on the 13th overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft out of Calvary Christian Academy to get them back in the win column and avoid dropping a fourth straight contest.
Painter mentioned on Monday that the struggles he faced last year in Triple-A Lehigh Valley was a positive experience, referencing that he wanted to experience tribulations on a smaller stage.
Thomson believes that it was good that Painter dealt with the bumps and bruises.
“He’s poised and a mature guy. I do think struggles in the minor leagues help players when they get here because they know they can bounce out of it at any time. If you get to the big leagues and haven’t struggled yet and that's your first time, it could be pretty scary, I would think.”
The righty will look to avoid putting the Phillies behind on the scoreboard early. Taijuan Walker gave up seven runs in the first three innings on Monday, Jesus Luzardo surrendered five runs in four innings in the series finale against Texas on Sunday and Aaron Nola gave up a pair of runs in the second inning on Saturday, all resulting in losses.
Rob Thomson didn’t have much to provide on top prospect Aidan Miller as he continues to nurse an ailing back.
“The report was that his activities have increased, but no swinging yet.”
Miller was expected to get some time with the big league squad during Spring Training but did not appear in a game due to a back injury that he had to deal with last season.
It was another early batting practice session for the shortstop on Tuesday. Working on his swing and analyzing video.
Turner is off to a 3-for-18 start at the plate with five strikeouts and one walk. He and the rest of the top third of the lineup, with Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper, look to end their combined slide.
Entering Tuesday night’s game, the trio is hitting a combined .120 through the first four games, going 6-for-50 at the plate to start the season.
The first pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. with Painter going against southpaw opener PJ Poulin, who is expected to throw an inning followed by right-hander Zack Littell.
