Ready for two debuts? | Sports Daily Newsletter
Andrew Painter and Porter Martone are set to join the big time.
It’s newsworthy enough when a first-round draft pick plays his first game with the Phillies, Eagles, Sixers or Flyers.
Tonight, two top Philadelphia prospects could make their debuts, both against teams from Washington.
First, of course, is Andrew Painter, a right-hander who seemed ready to make the jump to the big leagues in 2023 before an elbow injury dashed that dream. After a long recovery from Tommy John surgery, the 22-year-old Painter is poised to pitch against the Nationals at 6:40 p.m. (NBCSP+).
The surprise debutant could be Porter Martone, who was still playing hockey for Michigan State on Saturday. Now all signs point to Martone, 19, making his NHL debut for the Flyers against the Capitals at 7 p.m. (NBCSP).
A year ago, Martone was playing for the Bramton Steelheads in the OHL, but things have moved quickly for him since the Flyers drafted him sixth overall in June. Now he’s poised to join them for their playoff push.
The Phillies have been upbeat about Painter since they drafted him in 2021. At least one former Phillies ace is confident that the kid will be all right. “He’s been great all spring,” Cole Hamels said Monday in a text. “I know he’s ready for it.”
It’s been 20 years since a Phillies pitcher generated this kind of buzz, and that pitcher was Hamels, Marcus Hayes writes.
The Phillies are limping into Painter’s debut after a 13-2 series-opening loss to the Nationals. Taijuan Walker gave up seven runs and Rob Thomson was ejected early in the game.
— Jim Swan, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.
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❓What’s the best professional debut you can remember? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.
Nick Sirianni spoke to the media Monday at the league meetings in Phoenix and cleared up a few things. He appeared to shoot down the prospect of former offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland returning to the team in a new capacity. Lane Johnson had hinted at the possibility this month, but Stoutland also brushed off the idea.
Sirianni also talked about A.J. Brown, Jihaad Campbell‘s rehab, and more.
Howie Roseman announced the signing of linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka to a one-year deal, but the Eagles are probably not done bringing in edge rushers, Jeff McLane reports.
What will the 76ers’ playoff rotation look like? Did the rebounding woes spawn from Paul George’s move to power forward? And what do the Sixers have in the tank for the postseason? The Inquirer’s Gina Mizell answered all those questions and more, and even added a little information on what life is like as a traveling beat writer.
A bad shooting night and rebounding woes doomed the Sixers in a 119-109 loss to the Heat. The Sixers were outscored 16-2 to close the game.
The Flyers are on a 12-4-1 roll since the Olympic break and are making a real run at actually making the playoffs for the first time since 2020. Even if they don’t get there, Gus Elvin writes, this season has been a success. For one thing, young players like Trevor Zegras, Jamie Drysdale, Alex Bump, and Denver Barkey are getting valuable experience in a playofflike atmosphere.
Philly’s Jaron “Boots” Ennis climbed up in weight after capturing the welterweight title. Now he’s set to challenge for another championship. Ennis (35-0, 31 knockouts) will face WBA and WBO super welterweight champ Xander Zayas on June 27 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Zayas is undefeated, too, so something’s got to give.
Sports snapshot
Big test awaits: The U.S. men’s national team will face star-studded Portugal tonight at 7 (TNT).
Clipping the Wings: Comcast Spectacor is pulling out of its ownership of Philadelphia’s pro lacrosse team.
On second thought … La Salle’s top scorer, guard Rob Dockery, decides to return to the Explorers.
Gymnast moving on: Temple’s Kyrstin Johnson is entering the transfer portal. She became a viral hit last year.
🧠 Trivia time
Who holds the Phillies record for walks in a season with 129? First with the correct answer here will be featured in the newsletter.
A) Lenny Dykstra
B) Mike Schmidt
C) Kyle Schwarber
D) Bobby Abreu
What you’re saying about the Sixers
We asked: Who holds the key for the Sixers to make a playoff run? Among your responses:
Clearly The Process — Joel Embiid — is the key to any Sixers success. When healthy, he dominates at an MVP level. Unfortunately, his health remains an issue. — Bob C.
It’s all up to Joel as it always has been. Joel is 29-30 over 59 playoff games over 8 seasons. The Sixers have not won the Eastern Conference title since 2001. Little chance they will be successful this season. — Everett S.
We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Scott Lauber, Jackie Spiegel, Gus Elvin, Marcus Hayes, Olivia Reiner, Jeff McLane, Gabriela Carroll, Gina Mizell, Jonathan Tannenwald, Matt Breen, Colin Schofield, Conor Smith, and Ariel Simpson.
By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.
How about this for a first start to remember: Chase Utley hit a grand slam for the Phillies against the Rockies in April 2003. Thanks for reading. Bella will bring you the newsletter on Wednesday. — Jim