Injuries & Moves: Young exits early; Abrams scratched from lineup
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June 1: OF Jacob Young exits in sixth inning with swollen finger on right hand
Young, who has been one of the bright spots in the Nationals' lineup this season, exited Saturday’s eventual 3-2 loss to Cleveland in the sixth inning with a swollen finger. While neither Young (who had a bandage on his hand postgame) or manager Dave Martinez were quite sure when the injury occurred, Young said he first noticed it during a pitching change and showed it to Lane Thomas, who said he should get the injury looked at.
“His finger swelled up on his throwing hand,” Martinez said. “All of a sudden he looked down and his finger was swollen. We’ll get him some X-rays today, and know more tomorrow.”
June 1: SS CJ Abrams (left shoulder) a late scratch from Nationals' lineup
Abrams was scratched from the Nationals' lineup about an hour before first pitch on Saturday due to a left shoulder injury he sustained Friday diving for a ground ball.
After Saturday's 3-2 loss to the Guardians, manager Dave Martinez said that Abrams took some pregame swings Saturday and felt some aches in his shoulder, which is what led to the scratch.
“We’ll see how he is tomorrow,” Martinez said. “I hope that [Abrams is] good tomorrow and can play.”
June 1: Nationals request unconditional release waivers on OF Victor Robles
After designating Robles for assignment on May 27th, the Nationals announced on Saturday that they’d requested unconditional release waivers on Robles, meaning he passed through waivers unclaimed and is free to sign with any of the other 29 teams.
The move brings an end to Robles’ 11-year tenure with the Nationals. The former top prospect made his Major League debut in 2017. He was hitting .120 in 33 plate appearances this season prior to being DFA’d.
10-day/15-day injured list
RHP Josiah Gray (right elbow/forearm flexor strain)
Expected return: June
Gray threw a 76-pitch live bullpen session prior to a game against the Braves on May 30. A day later, manager Dave Martinez said that Gray will likely throw one more live bullpen up to 50 pitches and then be reassessed. Martinez said that Gray will need to go on a rehab assignment before being activated. (Last updated: May 31)
OF James Wood (right hamstring tightness; No. 1 on Nationals' Top 30 Prospects list)
Expected return: TBD
Wood was placed on the Triple-A Rochester 7-day injured list on May 28. He was removed from a Red Wings game five days earlier with right hamstring tightness, a move the Nationals initially called a precaution. MLB Pipeline's No. 5 overall prospect was slashing .355/.465/.596 with nine homers and 10 steals over 45 games for Rochester before the injury. (Last updated: May 28)
60-day IL
RHP Cade Cavalli (Tommy John surgery)
Expected return: Mid-June
Cavalli began his rehab assignment in the Florida Gulf Coast League on May 20 and threw 47 pitches in an intrasquad game on May 25. He began a Minor League rehab assignment by tossing 2 2/3 scoreless innings for the High-A Wilmington Blue Rocks on May 31. His fastball sat at 98 miles per hour.
“It was good to see him pitch for an affiliate,” manager Dave Martinez said. “Now it’s all about competing.” (Last updated: May 31)
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 120 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 31)
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)