The Philadelphia Phillies boast one of many high pitching rotations within the main leagues, to allow them to afford to be affected person with RHP prospect Andrew Painter. Nicely, maybe not too affected person. Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski, by no means one to carry prospects again, has made it clear that Painter will likely be dealt with fastidiously this season, famously calling his pending debut round “July-ish.” Fantasy managers dream of potential aces, and Painter, with a repertoire together with a 100-mph fastball and energy slider, could be one. He’s already rostered in almost 3% of ESPN normal leagues.
Painter, 22, made his Triple-A debut final week, hanging out 5 over three scoreless innings, and staff officers got here away impressed and excited for the longer term. In spite of everything, they have not seen a lot of Painter, a 2021 first-round choose, in precise video games. Elbow woes led to Tommy John surgical procedure, costing him each the 2023 and 2024 minor league seasons. He dominated the Arizona Fall League late in 2024. The Phillies had him skip Double-A and determine to make the most of him judiciously at Lehigh Valley for brief outings. The massive-league membership is contending. A wholesome Painter ought to have a job this summer time, however it might be problematic for fantasy managers.
With RHPs Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola joined by LHPs Cristopher Sanchez, Jesus Luzardo and Ranger Suarez, the rotation is full. RHP Taijuan Walker already serves as swingman. Philadelphia’s bullpen lacks right-handed leverage choices. Hmm. The Phillies declare Painter, with a starter’s construct and stuff, is 100% a starter — as he needs to be. Watch out, fantasy managers. Painter could also be superior, this yr or finally, however it’s laborious to depend on somebody (regardless of his expertise), on such a innings/pitch rely restrict. Even when he begins, the begins could also be temporary. These in redraft codecs would possibly want to put money into extra fast assist.
Inventory rising
Jacob Misiorowski, RHP, Milwaukee Brewers: Misiorowski, 23, was held in larger esteem by prospect evaluators, however years of management points have left his future function unsure. Painter, additionally checking in at round 6-foot-7, overpowers hitters and points few walks. Misiorowski walked 60 throughout 97⅓ innings at two minor league ranges final season, including in 15 wild pitches. He struck out 127. This season, at Triple-A Nashville, the 2022 second-round choose has improved his management. Misiorowski has a 1.49 ERA and an 0.92 WHIP in 42⅓ innings.
Maybe his final function is as a future reliever/nearer however, for now, he is nonetheless beginning. The Brewers, having demoted RHP Tobias Myers on Monday, need assistance. Promotion appears imminent, although as with Painter and all younger starters, keep in mind that younger hitters are far safer and dependable.
Moises Ballesteros, C, Chicago Cubs: Ballesteros, 21, has hammered Triple-A pitching at a .372/.420/.526 tempo. He earned a promotion on Tuesday with OF Ian Happ (indirect) hitting the IL. Not identified for his defensive acumen behind the plate, the Cubs determine to DH Ballesteros, with Seiya Suzuki shifting to the outfield. Ballesteros, listed at 5-foot-8, 200 kilos, confirmed each energy and plate self-discipline throughout two minor league ranges final season. For fantasy functions, it does not matter the place the Cubs use him. He’s catcher-eligible all this season. By no means assume a promotion is a short-term one, as Ballesteros would possibly stick round if he hits a lot that he forces the group to play him.
Dalton Dashing, C/OF, Los Angeles Dodgers: Newcomer Michael Conforto entered Tuesday hitting simply .153 with a .537 OPS. Maybe the Dodgers can cruise into October carrying a number of underachieving regulars like Conforto and 3B Max Muncy, however Dashing and IF Alex Freeland each appear prepared for the key leagues. Dashing, 24, is hitting .304/.421/.490 at Triple-A Oklahoma Metropolis. He boasts energy and plate self-discipline and a few expertise in left area. Freeland, 23, is a shortstop who can play second base and third base, too. He has a .781 OPS at Triple-A. The Dodgers might be affected person, as a result of their high hitters are outrageously productive, however they cannot play Conforto/Muncy for six months with these numbers. OF Zyhir Hope lurks for 2026.
Brady Home, 3B, Washington Nationals: Home, 22, obtained his first promotion to Triple-A Rochester final season, and he hit solely .250 with a 3% stroll price over 54 video games and 236 PA. It was a setback. This season, Home is as much as a 9.2% stroll price for the Crimson Wings. OK, so Home doesn’t venture as a future batting champion or 30-HR possibility, however for many people in deep fantasy leagues, competent taking part in time would suffice. Third base is open for the Nationals, as is a spot in the midst of the lineup. Home appears more likely to declare these spots sooner or later this summer time.
Inventory falling
Coby Mayo, 3B, Baltimore Orioles: It nonetheless feels untimely and unfair to consult with Mayo, 23, as merely a Quad-A participant — somebody who produces huge numbers in Triple-A however can’t capitalize on the MLB stage. The Orioles promoted Mayo with Jordan Westburg and Ramon Urias injured and offered him all of 4 begins and 13 PA. Now he is again at Triple-A Norfolk once more, having hit simply .094 in his very temporary keep in Baltimore. Mayo is 5-for-53 (all singles) with 28 strikeouts within the main leagues. Life is not honest. Mayo is best than this, after all, however the Orioles are in final place, and something however affected person. Maybe Mayo wants a brand new residence, like Kyle Stowers and Connor Norby earlier than him. Regardless, it will be robust to depend on Mayo for fantasy in 2025.
Tink Therefore, RHP, St. Louis Cardinals: Therefore, 22, who earned discover by hanging out 109 hitters over 79⅔ innings for Double-A Springfield final season (and due to his uncommon title), stays on the IL for Triple-A Memphis because of a rib cage pressure. He has but to debut this season. He entered 2025 at a profession crossroads regardless of intriguing numbers, as arm and shoulder accidents hold holding him again. Therefore he has but to succeed in 100 IP in any season as an expert, and issues usually are not wanting nice for this yr, both. Along with his slight body and lack of sturdiness, the bullpen could also be in his future.
Harry Ford, C, Seattle Mariners: Ford, the No. 12 choose within the 2021 draft, continues to succeed in base at a excessive clip at Triple-A Tacoma. Nonetheless, simply 5 extra-base hits over 26 video games and 118 PA doesn’t impress. Ford appeals to fantasy managers in dynasty leagues as a result of he’s a catcher who steals myriad bases — a useful talent for certain. But he is not offering energy, and his protection stays problematic. Oh, and there is this Cal Raleigh fellow in the way in which. Ford will help the Mariners — or one other group — by shifting away from catching, however there’s little indication he will likely be serving to fantasy managers quickly.
