WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Josiah Gray leaned on the fence lining the bullpen dressed in his Nationals uniform. The Saturday morning throwing session was more about observing than pitching, though. Spring Training is different for Gray this year: he is rehabbing from Tommy John surgery.
“I feel great,” Gray said. “It’ll be seven months on the 24th. [I’m] throwing three times a week, up to 60 feet. Next week, we'll start 75 feet. But [I’m] feeling really great every day, bouncing back well. We're in a good spot right now, and we're just going to keep plugging forward.”
Gray was sidelined after only two starts last season -- including Opening Day -- because of a right elbow/forearm flexor strain. He underwent Tommy John surgery and an internal brace procedure in July. Gray began throwing again in January.
“It was fun to see all the work I had put in in the offseason sort of come to a head where, ‘OK, we're going to actually throw a ball today,’” Gray said. “I loved it. And every day since, it's been a lot of fun. [I] always look forward to those days I get to throw, and [I’m] working on things and just feeling good.”
This Spring Training, Gray will participate in pitcher fielding practices, follow his throwing program and continue his conditioning. He also will watch his fellow starters ramp up for the season and gain insight from a behind-the-scenes perspective.
“It’s really cool to see the stuff on the iPads,” Gray said. “I'm looking at the eye test, but also then seeing what the data says as well. “
Manager Dave Martinez expects Gray, 27, will make the most of this scenario.
“He’s constantly watching,” Martinez said. “I know he watches the guys’ mechanics, their release point, the way they spin the ball, the fastball … I saw him talking to [pitching strategist Sean] Doolittle today about some spin stuff. He definitely wants to learn, definitely wants to get better. I’ve said this before, I love having him around and I want him around as much as possible.”
Martinez described Gray as “a big part of our team.” Gray is happy to have his teammates and coaches around, too. He looks forward to spending time with the club before he has less company during the in-season rehab.
“I'm going to soak it up as much as I can,” Gray said. “For these two months, I'm going to really enjoy that.”
Looking further down the road, Gray is on track to face hitters in July.
“I’m looking forward to the days ahead and getting back to being a true pitcher,” he said.