How the Phillies will try to keep developing Justin Crawford and Andrew Painter in majors
During the fifth inning of the Phillies’ road game at Coors Field, rookie center fielder Justin Crawford faced a high‑leverage situation with runners on first and second and no outs, while the score remained tied.
Bench coach Don Mattingly asked manager Rob Thomson whether to call for a bunt, but Thomson declined, preferring to see how Crawford would react on his own.
Crawford examined the infield alignment and noted that third baseman Kyle Karros was positioned deep on the grass and shortstop Ezequiel Tovar had shifted toward the 5‑6 hole.
Recognizing that a bunt would likely produce an easy force at third, Crawford chose to swing away, a decision that aligned with Thomson’s “thinking man’s game” philosophy.
After fouling off the first pitch, Crawford faced a 0‑1 count as Tovar moved into a traditional double‑play position, positioning himself almost directly behind the runner at second.
On the next pitch Crawford grounded a ball to Tovar, who stepped on second but delivered a low throw to first that should have completed a double play; the play was close, and the runner was safe.
The Phillies eventually scored the decisive run later in the inning, and Thomson later debriefed Crawford in the dugout to understand his thought process.
Crawford, 22, praised the autonomy he received, saying the experience of making real‑time decisions without constant instruction was valuable for his development.
He currently posts a .306/.342/.361 slash line and has appeared in 11 of the Phillies’ first 12 games this season, demonstrating immediate contribution at the major‑league level.
| Stat | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Batting Average | .306 | Through 11 games |
| On‑Base Percentage | .342 | Through 11 games |
| Slugging Percentage | .361 | Through 11 games |
Thomson’s approach to Crawford mirrors his broader strategy for integrating young talent into a veteran‑heavy roster that carries championship expectations.
In a similar vein, rookie right‑hander Andrew Painter encountered a jammed situation in the fourth inning of the Phillies’ game at Oracle Park, with the bases loaded and one out.
After surrendering three runs early, Painter remained in the game as manager Thomson signaled catcher J.T. Realmuto to speak with him, providing a brief pause to assess the situation.
Thomson considered pulling Painter but ultimately allowed him to face left‑handed hitter Luis Arraez, seeking to observe Painter’s reaction under pressure.
Arraez drove a deep fly to right field that would have been a home run at Citizens Bank Park; instead, Adolis García made a spectacular catch, limiting the damage to a run‑scoring sacrifice fly.
Painter then retired Matt Chapman on a groundout, navigating the inning without further escalation and helping the Phillies mount a comeback victory.
Painter, who turns 23 on Friday, reflected that the trust shown by the coaching staff helped him stay composed and “handle a little bit of that adversity.”
He currently holds a 4.82 ERA over 9 1/3 innings, with the Phillies winning both of his starts to date.
| Stat | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ERA | 4.82 | 9 1/3 innings |
| Wins | 2 | Season start |
| Innings Pitched | 9.1 | Through first two starts |
Thomson’s willingness to give his rookies latitude early in the season stems from his long‑standing belief in on‑the‑job learning rather than prescriptive pre‑game preparation.
He has emphasized that “every guy that leaves this field feels good about himself,” a mantra rooted in his early coaching experiences with the Class‑A Lakeland Tigers under manager Johnny Lipon.
Lipan’s methodical confidence‑building techniques influenced Thomson’s own developmental style, which he later applied to pitcher Cristopher Sánchez in 2023.
Thomson’s background includes coaching stints dating back to 1988, providing him with a deep reservoir of experience in nurturing young talent within competitive environments.
For Crawford, the emphasis remains on maintaining his natural approach at the plate, even though his ground‑ball rate of 78 percent is the highest recorded for a qualified hitter since 2000.
Thomson cautioned against forcing Crawford to change his swing mechanics prematurely, preferring to allow the player to grow stronger and make adjustments organically.
Similarly, Painter’s early exposure to high‑leverage scenarios is intended to accelerate his mental toughness, a quality that Thomson values highly for a team aiming for postseason success.
The Phillies’ veteran core, including J.T. Realmuto, Bryce Harper, and Zack Wheeler, has embraced the rookie influx, offering mentorship while maintaining the team’s championship‑oriented culture.
Philadelphia’s current record stands at 7‑5, positioning the club near the top of the National League East and underscoring the importance of depth as injuries and fatigue accumulate.
| Team | Wins | Losses |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia Phillies | 7 | 5 |
| NL East Leader | 8 | 4 |
| Wild Card Contenders | 7 | 5 |
Looking ahead, Thomson acknowledges that the leeway granted to Crawford and Painter may tighten as the season progresses and game situations become more critical.
He indicated that future instructions will be more situational, balancing the need for immediate results with the long‑term developmental goals for the young players.
The Phillies’ front office appears supportive of Thomson’s developmental approach, recognizing that sustained youth infusion can provide a competitive edge in a league where injuries often dictate roster depth.
Both Crawford and Painter have expressed appreciation for the organization’s trust, noting that the freedom to “play my game, be myself” enhances their confidence and accelerates learning.
In the broader context of the National League, the Phillies’ strategy aligns with a growing trend of integrating prospects earlier, as teams seek to blend veteran stability with youthful dynamism.
By allowing Crawford to swing away in a pivotal at‑bat and Painter to pitch through a jam, Thomson demonstrates a commitment to experiential learning that may pay dividends in the postseason.
The upcoming schedule includes a series against the Atlanta Braves, a division rival with a potent offense, presenting another test for the young Phillies.
Success in those matchups will likely influence how much autonomy Thomson retains for his rookies as the playoff race intensifies.
