Andrew Painter is ready, three years later than he expected. And maybe that’s a ‘blessing in disguise.’

Andrew Painter is ready, three years later than he expected. And maybe that’s a ‘blessing in disguise.’

CLEARWATER, Fla. — Before he reported to his first major league spring training camp in 2023, Andrew Painter met with his agent. “Ideally,” Scott Boras said, “I would love it if you didn’t throw your first pitch in the big leagues until you’re 22.” Sure thing, Painter thought. One problem: He was 19, and the Phillies were dangling a spot in the season-opening starting rotation. “I remember looking at him like, ‘All right, what do you want me to …