The Philadelphia Phillies medical team is recommending Tommy John surgery for right-handed pitcher Andrew Painter, the organization announced Wednesday.
Painter has been dealing with a right elbow UCL injury since March and continues to be symptomatic.
The 20-year-old righty is the Phillies' top prospect and the No. 8 overall prospect in baseball, according to MLB.com.
Painter's name has been mentioned of late in recent trade rumors with the trade deadline coming up on Aug. 1 and the Phillies likely to be buyers, as they look to get back to the World Series.
Most notably, Painter has been discussed — at least among the fan base and media — in a potential trade for San Diego Padres All-Star outfielder Juan Soto. Looming Tommy John surgery for Painter could complicate things on the trade front.