The Phillies had a surprising, positive update on top prospect Andrew Painter Saturday afternoon.

Painter, who was diagnosed with a sprained UCL in his throwing arm in March and was shut down from throwing this week because of elbow discomfort, underwent an MRI arthrogram that showed healing in the UCL.

The Phillies will back him off from throwing for a few days and then resume his progression.

“Actually better news than what we expected because the testing showed there is healing in there, seriously,” manager Rob Thomson said before Saturday’s game against the Marlins.

“(The tear) is closing up, we’re seeing healing. So all we’re going to do is just back him off for a few days, let that discomfort get out of the way and then we’ll start going again. It’s better news than what we were expecting.”