Phillies' Andrew Painter Selected for 2025 All-Star Futures Game, Will Not Pitch

Andrew Painter, a promising pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies, has been named to participate in the MLB All-Star Futures Game on July 12 in Atlanta. However, he will not be pitching during the event.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson confirmed this decision on Monday, emphasizing the team's commitment to maintaining Painter's recovery schedule. "He will not pitch in the Futures Game," Thomson stated prior to the Phillies' matchup against the San Diego Padres at Citizens Bank Park. "We'll keep him on our plan."

The organization has been deliberate in outlining a timeline for Painter's return to the major leagues. Team president Dave Dombrowski previously indicated a potential call-up around "July-ish." Yet, Thomson clarified that any promotion would occur only after the All-Star break.

"Nothing says he's coming up here," Thomson remarked. "He's got to be healthy. He's got to be pitching well. I've said that all along."

At 22 years old, Painter is set to pitch for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs on Thursday, with the goal of reaching 90 to 95 pitches—an achievement he has yet to accomplish since his return from Tommy John surgery.

Painter's injury history is notable; he suffered damage to his right ulnar collateral ligament during a spring training game in March 2023, leading to surgery in July. Prior to his injury, he was on track to join the Phillies' starting rotation as a teenager but missed all of last season.

This season, Painter began with the Clearwater Threshers in Single-A before advancing to the IronPigs. Across 13 starts, he has recorded a 4.18 ERA and struck out 57 batters over 51 2/3 innings.

Joining Painter at the Futures Game is catching prospect Eduardo Tait, who ranks as the Phillies' No. 4 prospect according to MLB.com. Tait has made a significant impact this season, hitting 10 home runs with a .449 slugging percentage and a .777 OPS in 65 games with the Threshers.