Why is Andrew Painter not starting tonight? Phillies opt for opener vs. Brewers

The Philadelphia Phillies are starting a big weekend series against the Milwaukee Brewers, and there are some significant changes to the roster for this series.

Adolis Garcia is on the 60-day injured list, Derek Hill was traded for, and Gabriel Rincones Jr. was promoted as well. But, for Friday night's game, there is a noteworthy change that is very interesting.

As NBC Sports Philadelphia's John Clark notes, Andrew Painter is not starting tonight for the Phillies. But why are the Phillies making this decision to not start Painter, and instead roll with Tanner Banks as the opener?

Why Phillies are not starting Andrew Painter vs. Brewers on Friday

"Tanner Banks will be the opener for Andrew Painter," Clark noted on Twitter/x. Banks will get the first inning against the Brewers Friday night, and Painter will come into the game afterwards for a bulk role.

This is a decision the Phillies are making because, as Paul Casella of MLB.com notes, the Phillies are trying to avoid sending Paitner out against the top of the lineup as much as possible.

In theory, this should help Painter get an easier introduction into the game and also see the Brewers' best hitters fewer times during tonight's game.

But, Casella also brings up an interesting point that this plan for the Phillies might be something that they continue to employ. It might not be just a one-off opener for Painter.

MORE: Phillies extending Cristopher Sanchez to his $107 million deal was genius

If tonight's game goes well, it's not out of the question that Don Mattingly and the Phillies will use an opener for Painter's starts moving forward.

Of course, for tonight's game, the Phillies will not be starting Painter and instead will use Banks, the 6.08 ERA left-handed reliever, as the opener before Painter comes into the game.

It will be interesting to see how this set-up fares, as it might become the new normal for the Phillies if Painter and Banks find success in these new roles.

More MLB news:

• 5 reasons to believe in Jordan Walker's breakout for Cardinals
• Ex-MLB GM projects White Sox to sell at trade deadline despite 2026 success
• Tarik Skubal being traded by Tigers would help him in free agency
• Cubs’ cost to trade for Tarik Skubal from Tigers revealed by ex-MLB GM
• Yankees’ Ryan McMahon problem has a $25 million release solution