On Friday afternoon, the Philadelphia Phillies tied the Detroit Tigers (4-4) in their latest spring training game.
The Phillies will have three more exhibition games before they host the Texas Rangers (on March 26) for their first game of the 2026 regular season.
Phillies Make Major Roster Decision Before Opening Day
GettyLOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 8, 2025: Philadelphia Phillies Manager Rob Thomson jogs onto the field prior to the start of Game 3 of the NLDS at Dodger Stadium on October 8, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Before Opening Day, the Phillies have made a decision on their pitching rotation.
Scott Lauber of inquirer.com wrote: “Andrew Painter has been told he has made the #Phillies opening-day roster, as expected. He will start the fifth game of the season. Sanchez Nola Luzardo Walker Painter”
GettyCLEARWATER, FL – MARCH 1: Andrew Painter #76 of the Philadelphia Phillies throws a pitch against the New York Yankees during the first inning of the spring training baseball game at BayCare Ballpark on March 1, 2026 in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Painter was the 13th pick in the 2021 MLB Draft.
Here’s what people were saying about the news:
@philliessports_: “Sanchez gets Opening Day nod. The lefties get split up with Nola in the middle. Andrew Painter will make his MLB debut on the 31st vs the Nationals.”
@BaseballAmerica: “Andrew Painter has made the Phillies’ Opening Day rotation ✅ No. 32 on our Top 100.”
Andrew Coté: “The Phillies rotation to start the season: 3/26 vs Rangers: Cristopher Sánchez 3/28 vs Rangers: Aaron Nola 3/29 vs Rangers: Jesús Luzardo 3/30 vs Nationals: Taijuan Walker 3/31 vs Nationals: Andrew Painter”
GettyCLEARWATER, FL – MARCH 1: Andrew Painter #76 of the Philadelphia Phillies throws a pitch against the New York Yankees during the first inning of the spring training baseball game at BayCare Ballpark on March 1, 2026 in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Painter was a very notable prospect, so fans will be eagerly waiting to watch his MLB debut.
He has gone 13-10 with a 3.37 ERA in 58 Minor League games.
Matt Gelb of The Athletic wrote (on March 18): “In what was likely his last spring outing, Andrew Painter left quite an impression against a Braves lineup filled with regulars. Four scoreless. Showed a strong slider and sweeper combo with some nice changeups. Held 96 mph.”
Phillies Last Season
GettyTORONTO, ON – JUNE 4: Mick Abel #40 of the Philadelphia Phillies is taken out of the game by manager Rob Thomson in a break in play against the Toronto Blue Jays during the sixth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays in their MLB game at the Rogers Centre on June 4, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
The Phillies are coming off a season where they won the National League East with a 96-66 record.
They were an outstanding 55-26 in 81 games at home.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 08: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts as he scores against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fourth inning in game three of the National League Division Series at Dodger Stadium on October 08, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
The Phillies ended up losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers (3-1) in the NLDS.
They last won a World Series Championship in 2008.
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