After a 3-3 start to the season, Phillies fans have reason for both optimism and concern. Andrew Painter’s debut performance has been a bright spot. However, the team’s offensive struggles are becoming increasingly apparent.
Painter’s Promising Debut
Andrew Painter’s debut against the Nationals was stellar. He joins a list of pitchers who have allowed fewer than two runs with eight or more strikeouts in at least five innings in their major league debut since 2023. Eleven pitchers have achieved this feat besides Painter.
Of those, eight made their debut before September. Four finished the season with an ERA under 3.00. Bryce Miller (Mariners) and Logan Allen (Guardians) both had a significant positive impact, while Mick Abel (Phillies) and Jordan Wicks (Cubs) did not start more than eight games.
Logan Henderson (Brewers), Connelly Early (Red Sox) and Trey Yesavage (Blue Jays) also excelled in September. Last year, the Phillies led the majors with 65 games where a starter went five or more innings and allowed one or fewer runs. They went 57-8 in those games.
Ranger Suárez had 14 starts of five or more innings and fewer than two runs. Cristopher Sánchez had more with 17.
Offensive Woes and Ghost Runners
Half the Phillies’ fan base is ready to put the lineup on the next Artemis mission and wave goodbye. 8.6% of the Phillies runs have been scored by ghost runners. They’ve scored 23 overall, two of which came in the 10th inning, when a team starts with a runner on second base.
The Phillies have also scored five of their runs.
Rotation Strength and Team Potential
It is unlikely that Painter will make the Phillies’ rotation better than it was last year. However, the performance suggests potential to be nearly as good, assuming a full season from Zack Wheeler. This is particularly important given the current state of the Phillies’ offense.