Phillies Prospect Watch: Andrew Painter Makes Steady Start

Phillies’ affiliates went 3-1 on Sunday, July 26, with a strong start from 2021 first round pick and Opening Day roster member Andrew Painter. Triple-A Lehigh Valley won 9-8, while Painter pitched six innings of one-run ball, fanning six batters over 90 pitches. 

Leading 8-1 after eight innings, the IronPigs added another run in the ninth on a Christian Cairo sacrifice fly. They ended up needing the insurance as errors contributed to a seven run meltdown in the bottom of the inning that nearly cost Lehigh Valley the lead. At the plate, Keaton Anthony and Otto Kemp each reached base three times. 

Double-A Reading won 6-2, Bryan Rincon’s three-run bomb proving the difference. Second baseman Aroon Escobar doubled, while 29-year-old left fielder Luke Ritter logged four singles.

High-A Jersey Shore lost 6-1, unable to capitalize on eight hits and six walks. 24-year-old center fielder Wilfredo Antunez, a recent pickup from the Guardians’ organization, hit two doubles; right fielder Devin Saltiban drew two walks and was caught stealing, while Phillies 2025 fifth round pick Gabe Craig pitched 1.2 scoreless innings in relief.

Single-A Clearwater won 8-5 behind a grand slam from 30-year-old catcher Mark Kolozsvary, currently ramping up on a rehab stint after beginning the season on the 60-Day Injured List. Tyler Bowen added an inning in relief and earned the win, surrendering an unearned run after allowing a single and a steal.