The Washington Nationals have been dealt a blow as they continue to grapple with the injury woes of pitcher Cade Cavalli. The highly anticipated return of Cavalli, who has been sidelined since June, faces further uncertainty. Despite throwing a bullpen session earlier this week at LoanDepot Park in Miami, Cavalli is no closer to making a return to the field this season, and he may not have another opportunity to pitch before the year ends.
Cavalli’s bullpen session, his first since being shut down on June 21 due to a dead arm following a rehab start from Tommy John surgery, consisted of 20 pitches, all fastballs, with his top pitch reaching 93 mph. Although this session marked progress, the Nationals remain cautious about his readiness.
Manager Dave Martinez expressed hope that Cavalli could still face batters before the end of the season, whether in live batting practice or a minor league game. However, with the minor league season nearing its end and the Major League season concluding on September 29, this goal is increasingly challenging.
“If we don’t get him to that point, we still have, you know, months to progress him and get him ready for Spring Training,” Martinez said, indicating that a more realistic expectation may be for Cavalli to return in time for the 2025 Spring Training.
Cavalli, the Nationals’ first-round pick in 2020 out of Oklahoma, was highly regarded as one of the Top 30 prospects in baseball. Despite his potential, he has not pitched in a Major League game since his debut on August 26, 2022. In his debut start, Cavalli struggled, allowing seven runs and six hits over 4.1 innings, with six strikeouts and two walks. His career has been hampered by injuries since that outing, starting with a 15-day injured list stint for right shoulder irritation immediately following his debut.
The Nationals are hopeful that Cavalli can regain his form and contribute to the team in the future, but for now, the focus remains on his continued recovery and preparation for the upcoming season.