As the Phillies entered 2023 Spring Training, a variety of names were being considered for the fifth starter job. Andrew Painter was a top pick amongst hopeful and eager fans, while Bailey Falter, who started Game Four of the 2022 NLCS, remained a realistic option. Toss in a splash of Nick Nelson as a swingman and a pinch of long-shot Mick Abel, and a competition was born (briefly).
It didn’t take long for the candidates to withdraw from consideration, by no choice of their own. Injuries to Andrew Painter and Nick Nelson eliminated them from Opening Day roster consideration quite early.