Why Andrew Painter is not pitching today for Phillies vs. Diamondbacks

TL;DR

Andrew Painter has been scratched from his start for the Philadelphia Phillies against the Arizona Diamondbacks due to a migraine. This decision comes as the team deals with starting rotation challenges early in the season.

Why Andrew Painter is not pitching today for Phillies vs. Diamondbacks originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Philadelphia Phillies have some starting rotation question marks this season, and their two biggest ones have revolved around the fourth and fifth spots.

Zack Wheeler is out to begin the year, so Taijuan Walker and Andrew Painter are being relied on more than they might normally. After Walker earned the win against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday, the Phillies turned to Painter on Sunday.

However, as Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports, Painter was scratched from today's game against the Diamondbacks and won't start or pitch for the Phillies. Why? The young Phillies righty has a migraine and won't take the mound for Philadelphia.

Why Andrew Painter was scratched for D-Backs start

"NEWS: Phillies RHP Andrew Painter has been scratched from today's start because of a migraine. Zach Pop will start," Zolecki reports.

This is some tough news for the Phillies, as Painter being out will force a bullpen game and take the young righty out for his third start of the season.

Looking to bounce back after a four-run outing against the San Francisco Giants, Painter was set to face a tough Diamondbacks lineup at home.

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However, he's now missing this matchup, with the Phillies forced to go to a bullpen game, starring with Zach Pop, who has a 3.38 ERA on the year, earning the start.

With a big series against the Chicago Cubs beginning on Monday, April 13, the Phillies will need Cristopher Sanchez and their other starters to go deep into games to limit how much the bullpen is taxed over these next few days.

But, in the short-term, the Phillies got some very tough news as they lost Painter for the Sunday start against the Diamondbacks due to a migraine issue for the 23-year-old top pitching prospect.