Phillies' Rob Thomson Reveals Andrew Painter Will Be Shut Down for All-Star Break
The Philadelphia Phillies have one of baseball's best starting rotations. What makes it even better is the fact that multiple starters aren't even pitching yet. Aaron Nola is on the injured list, and the 5th ranked prospect in baseball, Andrew Painter, is still working things out in the Minor Leagues.
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Painter was invited to the MLB Futures Game, but Phillies manager Rob Thomson announced that Painter wouldn't pitch in the game. According to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com, Thomson is sticking to the team's plan to shut Painter down during the All-Star break.
Thomson and the Phillies are being extra careful with Painter after his injury, which knocked him out all of 2024. This decision, to keep him shut down during the All-Star break, could also point to a future decision from Thomson.
If the Phillies stick to their other plan, which is bringing Painter up sometime in the second half of July, this shut-down period could be a good chance to see how Painter's body reacts to time off.
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The Phillies' rotation is strong, and there isn't much room for Painter at the Major League level. With that in mind, Painter might have to go a decent amount of time between starts.
Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson (59) looks on from the dugout against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park.Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Even if he takes over for Mick Abel, Nola is right in line with Painter for his return to the mound for the Phillies. Painter might be looking at a less straightforward call-up to the big leagues, as the Phillies' rotation is too good to break up at the moment.
Regardless of when Painter is called up, this plan from Thomson to sit Painter in the Futures game is one to monitor. If Painter reacts well to time off, then there will be more optimism going forward when they eventually bring him up to the Major Leagues.
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Painter is one of baseball's most anticipated MLB debuts waiting to happen. As the Phillies plan to be careful with him, Painter is set to be shut down during the All-Star break and not pitch in the MLB Futures Game.
Related: Phillies Make Bryce Harper Announcement Before Padres Game
Related: Dream Phillies Trade Idea Lands Twins Superstar for Ascending Mick Abel
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
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