BALTIMORE -- The Nationals are one step closer to getting one of their veteran starters back on the bump.
Trevor Williams, who underwent an internal brace procedure on July 17, 2025, after suffering a partial UCL tear in his right elbow, made his first rehab start on Sunday at Single-A Fredericksburg, throwing 26 pitches (18 strikes) over two-thirds of an inning, allowing four runs (two earned) on four hits with one strikeout and no walks.
Washington signed Williams to a two-year, $14 million contract after the 2024 season -- in which the right-hander made just 13 starts (with a 2.03 ERA) after spending much of the campaign on the injured list with a right flexor muscle strain. Williams made 17 starts last season before the elbow injury ended his year, going 3-10 with a 6.21 ERA over 82 2/3 innings.
As the Nationals’ rotation has begun to settle in for the season, the prospect of a late-season return from Williams would be a boon -- whether he returns as a starter or they find him a role in bulk relief.