The Philadelphia Phillies are fighting to get back on track after a brutal two-week stretch that saw them lose nearly every game. While the team has started to stabilize since parting ways with former manager Rob Thomson, a new concern has emerged on the mound.

Andrew Painter, once viewed as the future of the Phillies' rotation, is struggling mightily. His start on Thursday night only added to the worry. The biggest issue? His fastball is flat. According to MLB.com's Todd Zolecki, Statcast data reveals Painter's four-seam fastball has -0.7 inches less vertical break and -3.2 inches less horizontal break compared to pitchers with similar velocity. His sinker is also underperforming, with -4.0 inches less vertical break and -2.6 inches less horizontal movement. That makes it easier for hitters to square up, and it's showing on the scoreboard.

If Painter can't rediscover his form soon, the Phillies may need to look for a reliable, proven arm to stabilize the rotation. One name that makes all kinds of sense? NL East rival Sandy Alcantara of the Miami Marlins.

Alcantara got off to a strong start in 2026, throwing the first complete game of the season. While his ERA has climbed since then, he still sits at 3-2 and remains a former Cy Young Award winner with ace-level stuff. Beyond his talent, Alcantara is widely considered one of the most likely players to be traded at the deadline—especially with the Marlins sitting 9.5 games back in the NL East.

For a Phillies team already playing from behind after a slow start, the urgency is real. Adding a frontline starter like Alcantara could be the move that turns their season around. With Painter's struggles continuing and the trade market heating up, Philadelphia might not have a choice but to make a bold move.