Josiah Gray continues to make progress toward his long-awaited return to the Nationals, taking the mound for the second time on Friday night with Single-A Fredericksburg.
Gray, who underwent Tommy John surgery with an internal bracing procedure in July 2024, initially began a rehab assignment in September 2025, making three appearances before the end of the Minor League season. Despite hopes that he could have a normal Spring Training and return early in the 2026 season, he suffered a right flexor strain in mid-March, a major setback that could cost him another season.
In the meantime, the 28-year-old is making every effort to return in 2026, building his workload up to 26 pitches over two scoreless innings in relief on Friday. Gray threw 16 of 26 pitches for strikes (61.5%), allowing two hits, walking one and striking out two.
Gray last pitched for the Nationals on April 4, 2024. In his most recent full season ('23), the right-hander was a first-time All-Star, posting a 3.91 ERA with 143 strikeouts in 159 innings.