Andrew Painter likely out of r...

While the Phillies have yet to release an official update on the health of Andrew Painter's right elbow, it is becoming evident that he will most likely not be able to compete for the fifth starter's position out of camp.

Painter made his first Grapefruit League start against the Twins last Wednesday. He pitched two innings and showed off a 98-99 mph fastball, a new cutter, and a slider. Representatives of both clubs were thrilled with the Phillies' 19-year-old top prospect, but manager Rob Thomson disclosed two days later that Painter was suffering from "tenderness" in his right arm.

When their pitchers suffer an elbow injury, teams take considerable care, especially this time of year and especially when they are this young and vital to their future. Whether it is a short-term or long-term ailment, the Phillies will not hurry Painter back this month in Clearwater. And, considering that he's already lost approximately a week, his throwing and stamina-building regimen has already been put back or reset in some ways. The Phillies have a little more than three weeks remaining in camp. Even if Painter is cleared by the end of this week, he will have to gradually return to work.

Bailey Falter, who made his second spring start against the Rays on Tuesday afternoon, has to be considered the strong favorite to earn the fifth starter's position. Additional alternatives are lefties Michael Plassmeyer and Cristopher Sanchez. Thomson has stated that Nick Nelson, the Phillies' right-handed long reliever last season, is also in the mix, but his two big-league starts have been as an opener, and he hasn't been stretched out yet in camp, appearing just for an inning in the first spring training game.

Sanchez, who had been hampered in camp by a back ailment, made his spring debut in relief on Tuesday, tossing a scoreless inning. Last summer, the 26-year-old made five and six-inning starts for the Phillies.

Falter gave the Rays two runs (one earned) on singles over 213 innings. He struck out three batters. It was softer contact than he allowed in his first spring start against the Red Sox last week.

Last season, Falter, who turns 26 in a month, made 16 starts for the Phillies, including one in the playoffs. Falter had a 2.52 ERA from July 29 to September 13, as the Phillies went 6-0 in his starts. For his final ten innings, he had an even 3.00 ERA.