The Phillies are promoting their top two prospects, Mick Abel and Andrew Painter, to Double-A Reading according to The Athletic’s Matt Gelb. Both starting pitchers are having extraordinary success at young ages, as Painter is only 19 years old, while Abel turns 21 in four days.
Both youngsters are highly-touted, with Painter ranking first among Phillies prospects according to MLB.com, and Abel slotting in at number two. Abel was the Phils’ first-round choice in the 2020 draft, while Painter was selected in the first round the following year.
Their similar ages and draft status have led many fans to group them together as the team’s future one-two punch, and neither has disappointed. Painter has been brilliant in both Low-A and High-A this season, posting a 1.19 ERA and 14.1 K/9 across 75.1 total frames. Abel has been less dominant, working to a 4.01 ERA and 10.9 K/9 in 85.1 High-A innings.
It’s unlikely that either young man makes his big league debut this year, given their youth and probable innings limits. However, with Kyle Gibson, Zach Eflin and Noah Syndergaard set to hit free agency this winter, there will be room for both young hurlers to compete for spots in next year’s starting rotation.