Andrew Painter is officially one step away from the big leagues.
The Phillies transferred the top prospect from Single-A Clearwater to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, the IronPigs announced Tuesday. He’s slated to start on Thursday at Coca-Cola Park as he works his way toward a potential major-league debut this summer.
Painter, 22, is in his first season back after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his pitching elbow in 2023. Since he’ll be on an innings limit, the right-hander got a late start to the year coming out of spring. He made four starts with the Threshers as he eased his way into the regular season.