Phillies News: Andrew Painter, Zack Wheeler, C.B. Bucknor

Apr 1, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies center fielder Justin Crawford (2) reacts as he hits a walk off game winning RBI single during the tenth inning against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images What a great couple of days for the Phillies rookies. First, Andrew Painter dazzled in his first start and stopped a three-game losing streak, and then less than 24 hours later, Justin Crawford collected his first walk-off hit and RBI in the tenth inning to cap off a memorable comeback.

There will surely be growing pains, but the Phillies’ infusion of youth has already brought a spark to the 2026 season. On to the links. Phillies news: Andrew Painter had a small village of friends and family in tow for his MLB debut, and they all joined him to bask in the glow of a long journey to the majors finally finished.

($) An injury update on Zack Wheeler and Orion Kerkering , with the former set to pitch on Friday and the latter making his second appearance yesterday. A check in on where each of the Phillies top 30 prospects will begin their 2026 season. MLB News: There aren’t many people off to a worse start in 2026 than umpire C.

B Bucknor, who on the heels of a genuinely shocking missed call had to exit yesterday’s game after a foul tip hit him in the mask. Speaking of umpires, some of those who have retired are feeling for what their brethren are going through with the new ABS system. ($) Old friend and current Kansas City Royal Carlos Estévez is headed to the injured list with a foot contusion.