The decision has been made as the Philadelphia Phillies option pitcher Andrew Painter to Triple-A Lehigh has come postgame on June 17. This comes following Painter giving up six runs on six hits in two innings in the series finale against the Miami Marlins. Painter pitched out of the bullpen on June 12 against the Milwaukee Brewers as Tanner Banks was used as an opener. This did not go to plan for the Phillies as Painter gave up five runs on five hits in five innings out of the bullpen. Who the Phillies call up for the time being is an open question. It might be possible that Kyle Backhus is activated off of the injured list here.
Following today’s game against the Miami Marlins, the Phillies optioned RHP Andrew Painter to Lehigh Valley (AAA). A corresponding roster move to replace his spot on the 26-man roster will be made tomorrow.
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) June 17, 2026
Painter has a 1-8 record along with a 7.06 ERA in 14 outings this season. In addition to that Painter has a 5.51 FIP this year. The Phillies put too much pressure on Painter entering the 2026 season. This is in part because the Phillies lack starting pitching depth and had no clear backup plan for this exact scenario. Painter has a 7.34 K/9 rate and a 3.32 BB/9 rate along with a concerning 1.94 HR/9 allowed rate this season. Last season in the minor leagues Painter had a 5.26 ERA and a 4.81 FIP in 26 starts. Painter recorded a 9.38 K/9 rate and a 3.58 BB/9 rate with a 1.53 HR/9 allowed rate in the minors last year.
Phillies Option Pitcher To Minor Leagues
Too Early For Rising Prospect
As the Phillies option pitcher Painter to the minor leagues someone needs to take the open spot. One player who is not ready for the major leagues yet who will not be getting the opportunity is Gage Wood. The Phillies have had Wood skip High-A and he is now pitching in Double-A after starting the season at Low-A. Wood has a 0-3 record with a 3.35 ERA and a 3.31 FIP in 12 minor league starts this season. In addition to that Wood has a 3.93 K/BB rate and a 1.17 WHIP entering play on June 17. Opposing batters have a .218 average and a .333 BABIP against Wood this year. Wood needs more time to develop in the minor leagues.
What Happens With The Fifth Rotation Spot Now
Alan Rangel is lined up to take the now open rotation spot. Rangel has been on the same schedule as Painter for most of the season. Additionally Rangel is already on the Phillies 40-man roster. Jean Cabrera is having a strange season making it unlikely for him to get the call to the majors. Unlike Cabrera, Rangel also has previous major league experience. Rangel had a 2.45 ERA and a 4.50 FIP in five major league outings last season. Additionally Rangel recorded a 1.45 WHIP and a 1.33 K/BB rate in those appearances. Rangel has pitched out of the bullpen in each of the five major league games he has played in.
Trade Deadline Implications
The Phillies option pitcher Painter due to struggles and should now look to the trade market for pitching help. This will come in addition to a possible creative trade fit on the position player side of things. Tomoyuki Sugano and Michael Lorenzen of the Colorado Rockies could be realistic trade fits for this role. The Phillies have been speculated as a potential suitor for Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, but that would be a high cost move. Skubal is also scheduled to be a free agent after the 2026 season. Sugano and Lorenzen are lower trade cost rental options.
Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
