Injuries & Moves: Winker exits game with back spasms
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May 12: OF Jesse Winker exits with back spasms
Winker experienced spasms on the left side of his back and came out of Sunday’s 3-2 loss to the Red Sox in the sixth inning. He will be re-evaluated for Monday’s game in Chicago.
May 10: RHP Josiah Gray, RHP Cade Cavalli each throw bullpen session
Gray (right elbow/forearm flexor strain) threw 35 fastballs on Friday at Fenway Park. Manager Dave Martinez said 30 to 32 of the pitches landed for strikes.
“He’s doing well,” said Martinez.
Cavalli (Tommy John surgery) delivered a 45-pitch live bullpen, spanning 2 2/3 innings, on Friday at the Nationals' training complex in Florida. The projected timeframe for the Nats' No. 5 prospect to return is mid-June.
“It’s a feeling and a progression,” said Martinez. “With Tommy John, you basically know what the timeline is. So we’re going to stick as close as we can to that timeline. We worked backwards from when he should be done to get him to this point.”
May 7: Victor Robles reinstated from IL; Alex Call optioned to Triple-A Rochester
Robles is set to make his long awaited return after a left hamstring strain put a pause to his hot start to the season. He is not in the lineup against the Orioles on Tuesday but manager Dave Martinez said that he wants the athletic outfielder to ease back after missing 29 games due to his injury. Robles will be playing in his traditional center field position, and he will also be making appearances in right field.
“I am very happy that they have the confidence in my playing ability to move me around and show that I can play in different positions as well,” Robles said in Spanish.
Call, 29, hit .313 with an RBI, a stolen base and six runs in seven appearances for the Nats.
May 7: LHP Robert Garcia reinstated from IL; RHP Matt Barnes designated for assignment
Garcia was reinstated from the 15-day injured list after missing 14 games with influenza. The reliever played once in a rehab game with Single-A Fredericksburg on May 4, when he struck out four in two innings.
To make room for the move, Barnes was DFA’d. He posted a 6.75 ERA, struck out 10 and allowed four walks in 14 games.
10-day/15-day injured list
RHP Josiah Gray (right elbow/forearm flexor strain)
Expected return: May
Gray threw a bullpen session of 35 fastballs on May 10. The right-hander was placed on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to April 6, after an MRI revealed a right elbow/forearm flexor strain before his scheduled April 9 start against the Giants. He is 0-2 with a 14.04 ERA in two starts this season. (Last updated: May 10)
RF Lane Thomas (left MCL sprain)
Expected return: May
Thomas progressed to hitting in the cage, taking batting practice on the field, throwing and running. He was placed on the 10-day injured list on April 24, the day after he avoided a tag while stealing second base vs. the Dodgers. Thomas has been the Nationals' starting right fielder, and he was batting .184 with 11 stolen bases this season. (Last updated: May 10)
1B/DH Joey Gallo (left shoulder AC sprain)
Expected return: TBD
Gallo is on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Rochester. Washington placed Gallo on the IL on April 27, after he tried to play through the shoulder injury for a week. Gallo injured his shoulder making a diving play. (Last updated: May 8)
60-day IL
RHP Cade Cavalli (Tommy John surgery)
Expected return: Mid-2024
Cavalli is progressing and facing live hitters, most recently a 45-pitch bullpen session on May 9. The righty and the Nationals are eyeing mid-May for the start of his rehab assignment. While with the team in Miami on April 26, Cavalli said he feels "normal" and that the ball is coming out of his hand the same as prior to his injury. He's hopeful that he will be back in Major League action within the next two months. (Last updated: May 10)
LHP Jose A. Ferrer (teres major strain)
Expected return: First half of season
Ferrer, who had been rehabbing with the team to start the season, is continuing his recovery at the Nationals training complex in West Palm Beach, Fla. He is throwing up to 75 feet. He experienced discomfort while extending his throwing arm during Spring Training and was placed on the 60-day IL on March 24. (Last updated: May 10)
RHP Mason Thompson (Tommy John surgery)
Expected return: 2025
Thompson, 26, underwent his second Tommy John surgery on March 1 after previously undergoing the procedure in high school. He was placed on the 60-day IL on March 24. (Last updated: March 24)