Phillies top pitching prospect Painter has UCL sprain
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Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Andrew Painter has an ulnar collateral ligament sprain in his right elbow, the team announced Friday.
Painter, who's arguably the best pitching prospect in baseball, will rest for four weeks from the date of injury and then start a light tossing progression.
The 19-year-old hasn't pitched since a spring start on March 2 after experiencing tenderness in his elbow.
Painter believes he will be able to play again this year and is "pretty confident" rest and rehab now will avoid future surgery, according to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com.
The No. 13 pick from the 2021 draft posted a 1.56 ERA in 22 starts across three minor-league levels last season. He struck out 155 and walked 25 over 103 2/3 innings.