Injuries & Moves: Winker, Abrams in lineup after injury scares
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June 29: OF Jesse Winker (right knee), SS CJ Abrams (left wrist) ready to go
The Nats saw their two best hitters get dinged up during Friday night's 3-1 loss to the Rays at Tropicana Field. However, both Winker and Abrams were in Saturday's starting lineup.
Winker suffered a right knee contusion during the bottom of the first inning Friday as he went to catch a fly ball near the left-field wall. Winker's right cleat got caught in the turf, causing him to stumble and fall into the wall. He remained down on the field for a few moments before gingerly walking into the Nats' dugout. Ildemaro Vargas replaced him in left field in the second inning. After the game, manager Dave Martinez said Winker would be fine and that what happened to him "looked worse than it was."
Abrams was hit by a pitch twice during Friday's game -- first on his right arm by an 89 mph cutter from Rays starter Zach Eflin in the first inning and then on his left wrist by an 88 mph cutter from reliever Kevin Kelly in the seventh inning. The latter HBP was more concerning, although Abrams remained in the game. Martinez said afterward that the 23-year-old shortstop underwent X-rays, which came back negative.
June 28: RHP Josiah Gray to continue rehab progress with Triple-A
Gray is expected to remain with the Rochester Red Wings and make “maybe one or two more” rehab starts in his recovery from a right elbow/forearm flexor strain, manager Dave Martinez said Friday. Gray completed six innings (one run allowed, four hits, no walks and four strikeouts) on only 73 pitches on Tuesday. He will make his second start at Triple-A on Sunday.
"I want to make sure when he comes back, he's ready," Martinez said.
10-day/15-day injured list
RHP Josiah Gray (right elbow/forearm flexor strain)
Expected return: First half of season
Gray pitched six innings in a rehab start with Triple-A Rochester on June 25. Scoreless through five frames, he finished with one run allowed, four hits, no walks and four strikeouts while throwing 73 pitches. It was Gray's fourth Minor League rehab start this month and, according to manager Dave Martinez, it was "the best he's thrown in his rehab assignment." Gray will make a second start for Rochester on June 30. Martinez said the goal is for Gray to throw about 90 pitches in that outing. He could return to the Nationals after one or two more rehab starts. Gray was placed on the IL on April 9, retroactive to April 6. (Last updated: June 28)
1B Joey Gallo (left hamstring strain)
Expected return: TBD
An MRI on June 14 revealed a “significant” left hamstring strain, per manager Dave Martinez. Gallo remained in Washington and began a running program during the team's current road trip. He has been able to throw from 120 feet and hit off a tee. Once Gallo completes his running program, he will begin baseball activities. Gallo sustained the injury while running out an at-bat to first base on June 12. There is no timeframe for his return. (Last updated: June 28)
RHP Trevor Williams (right flexor muscle strain)
Expected return: TBD
Williams is traveling on the road with the Nationals. He has not been cleared for throwing, but manager Dave Martinez said the veteran right-hander is progressing. Williams was placed on the 15-day injured list on June 4, retroactive to June 1. (Last updated: June 28)
1B/3B, Yohandy Morales (left thumb injury, No. 4 on Nationals Top 30 Prospects list)
Expected return: TBD
The infield prospect was placed on the 7-day injured list due to a thumb injury on May 21, retroactive to May 20. He was removed from Double-A Harrisburg's game on May 18 after being tagged out while sliding head first into home plate. As of June 26, he was back to throwing and running, and the Nationals were planning to reevaluate him in a few weeks. If all goes well, a hitting progression would begin soon after that reevaluation. (Last updated: June 26)
60-day IL
RHP Cade Cavalli (Tommy John surgery; No. 5 on Nationals' Top 30 Prospects list)
Expected return: July
After dealing with a case of the flu, Cavalli was able to play catch on June 28. Manager Dave Martinez said that although Cavalli is feeling better, "we'll have to build him back up a little bit." Cavalli pitched three innings without allowing a hit or a run on June 21 with the High-A Blue Rocks. He issued one walk and struck out three batters. Cavalli underwent Tommy John surgery on March 22, 2023. (Last updated: June 28)
LHP Jose A. Ferrer (teres major strain)
Expected return: Second half of season
Ferrer pitched one inning in the Florida Complex League on June 27 and struck out all three batters he faced. Manager Dave Martinez said Ferrer's fastball ranged between 97-99 mph. Ferrer was placed on the 60-day IL on March 24. (Last updated: June 28)
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)