Key Nationals Starter 'Fully Healthy and Ready to Go'

The Washington Nationals face an intriguing competition for their starting pitching lineup.

Some players are confined to those positions, asCade Cavalli is the likely Opening Day starterand it became evident thatBrad Lord will be provided with all the chances to secure a starting position., while Foster Griffin and Miles Mikolas were hired to complete the rotation.

Who will claim the fifth position remains uncertain, with Josiah Gray, Jake Irvin, and Mitchell Parker all vying for that role this spring. Regarding Gray, the right-handed pitcher is reportedly in full health as he begins camp.

Josiah Gray is in Good Health as Spring Training Begins

He has been away for a long time. After only making two starts in 2024 before landing on the injured list due to a flexor strain, he eventually had Tommy John surgery, which kept him out for the remainder of that season and all of 2025.

He managed to pitch 5 2/3 innings during a rehabilitation assignment to finish last year. Nevertheless, he did not make his return to the major league field, even though there was some talk that he might be cleared to pitch at the highest level again.

However, following an extended break, Gray is reportedly in good health as the Nationals begin their spring training. Manager Blake Butera was on Junks Radio and stated that Gray "is completely healthy and prepared to go."

This is a significant advancement for Washington. Although Gray hasn't quite lived up to the expectations of being a starting pitcher following his acquisition from the Los Angeles Dodgers as part of the major trade involving Trea Turner and Max Scherzer, the 28-year-old demonstrated moments of brilliance in 2023 when he was selected as an All-Star and concluded the season with a 3.91 ERA over 30 starts.

Not having him for almost two full seasons has been difficult for the Nationals, and it's unclear how he will perform after such an extended break. However, this pitching staff needs all the support they can get. And having a healthy Gray is a major positive step.

It will be intriguing to observe how Washington manages Gray during spring training. PerJessica Camerato of MLB.com, president of baseball operations Paul Toboni stated they "expect him to develop in the same way as any other starting pitcher vying for a position," indicating he won't receive any special treatment.

But that decision will be made at a later time. For now, the Nationals received positive news that one of their important pitchers is in good health as they begin spring training following an extended break due to Tommy John surgery.

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This piece was first released onwww.si.com/mlb/nationals/onsi as Top Nationals Pitcher Is Said to Be 'Completely Healthy and Prepared to Play'.