Painter and Abel Among Top-100 Prospects

(Reading, PA) - 2022 R-Phils and Philadelphia Phillies top prospects Andrew Painter and Mick Abel were both selected amongst MLB Pipeline's Top-100 Prospects List on Thursday night.

Painter was ranked as the sixth-best prospect across Minor League Baseball and also was named the top-ranked pitching prospect in all of Minor League Baseball. He was also recently named the top right-handed pitching prospect and now leads the way for all pitchers. Additionally, Painter was voted the top pitching prospect and Best Pitchability in a recent MLB Pipeline Executives Prospect Poll.

Joining Painter on the top-100 prospects list was Abel, who came in ranked number 48 on the list. Both pitchers were recently invited to Major League Spring Training with the Phillies, as pitchers and catchers are set to report on February 16 to Clearwater.

Painter spent the 2022 seasons across three teams within the Phillies system. Over 22 starts with Clearwater, Jersey Shore and ultimately Reading, Painter had an impressive 6-2 record and 1.56 ERA. He additionally added a complete game. Over 103.2 innings pitched, Painter struck out 155 batters, issued just 25 walks and opponents hit just .181 off the hard-throwing righty.

After arriving to Reading in August, Painter continued to impress. Over five starts, he garnered a 2-1 record and 2.54 ERA. He also added 37 strikeouts over 28.1 innings pitched. Painter was selected in the first round (13th overall) by the Phillies in the 2021 MLB Draft out of Calvary Christian in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Abel had a strong 2022 season between Jersey Shore and Reading. Overall, he started 23 games and impressed with a 3.90 ERA. Over 108.1 innings pitched, Abel added 130 strikeouts. After arriving to Reading later in the season, Abel helped form a dynamic 1-2 punch with Painter. In five starts with the R-Phils, Abel pitched to the tune of a 3.52 ERA and added 27 strikeouts over 23 innings pitches.

Abel was selected by the Phillies in First Round (15th overall) in the 2020 MLB Draft out of Jesuit High School in Portland, Oregon He spent all of the 2021 season with the Clearwater Threshers.

R-Phils fans can next catch newly-named top-100 prospects Painter and Abel when spring training gets underway. The Phillies first game is scheduled for Saturday, February 25. Also, don't miss out the chance to watch the next stars of tomorrow in Reading when the R-Phils home slate gets underway on Tuesday, April 11 against the Hartford Yard Goats. You can get your tickets online at https://www.milb.com/reading/tickets or by calling 610-370-BALL.