Painter didn’t allow a run on just two hits through his first two innings while striking out four. He then retired the first two batters of the third inning before allowing a single, a home run, and a double, and being pulled from the game. Painter registered a 33 percent whiff rate and 27 percent CSW on the day, with his slider and changeup being particularly effective. However, he also had a 63 percent strike rate and just a 38 percent first pitch strike rate, so command remains an issue that the 22-year-old will need to iron out if he’s going to be effective this season.
