CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Andrew Painter's spring training debut with the Phillies is just a few days away.
Painter, the Phillies' 19-year-old top prospect and a competitor for the fifth starter's job, will start Wednesday in Fort Myers against the Twins.
The Phillies will start Aaron Nola on Monday in Bradenton, Zack Wheeler on Tuesday in Clearwater, Painter on Wednesday and Bailey Falter on Thursday in Fort Myers against the Red Sox.
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All are expected to pitch two innings.
Three key Phillies relievers will follow Nola on Monday. Seranthony Dominguez, Jose Alvarado and Craig Kimbrel are all scheduled to pitch.
The fifth starter's battle is the most intriguing of Phillies camp. Painter has massive upside and is coming off of one of the most dominant seasons in minor-league history. He's already up to the No. 5 spot on Baseball America's Top 100 Prospects list.
Falter's ability and contributions are not being overlooked, however. He was a godsend for the 2022 Phillies in the second half as Zach Eflin and Zack Wheeler dealt with injuries. He went 5-0 with a 2.45 ERA in seven starts from July 29 through September 18, essentially producing for the Phillies the way a trade deadline pickup could have.
MLB
Beyond Painter and Falter, the fifth starter competition includes Cristopher Sanchez, Michael Plassmeyer, Nick Nelson and Griff McGarry, though Painter and Falter are the primary candidates.