Injuries & Moves: Abrams (shoulder) could return Monday
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June 2: OF Jacob Young (swollen finger on right hand) remains out of lineup after early exit on Saturday; SS CJ Abrams (left shoulder) scratched from lineup for second straight day
After leaving the Nationals’ game on Saturday with a swollen finger on his right hand, Young remained out of the Nationals’ lineup on Sunday. Before Sunday's game, manager Dave Martinez said that X-rays on the hand came back negative, but that there’s some inflammation.
Abrams was initially listed in the Nationals’ lineup, but was a late scratch for the second day in a row. After the Nationals’ 5-2 win on Sunday, Martinez said that Abrams “felt better” during the game and could be in the lineup on Monday, but Martinez didn’t want to push it and play the star shortstop on Sunday.
June 2: Nationals option C Riley Adams to Triple-A Rochester; recall C Drew Millas from Triple-A Rochester
The Nationals swapped catchers on Sunday by optioning Adams and recalling Millas.
Millas, 26, went 1-for-6 with a stolen base in his first two stints with the Nationals this season. He made his MLB debut last season, going 8-for-28 with a home run and six RBIs in 11 games. He hit .308 with five home runs in 30 games at Triple-A this season.
Adams hit .215 in 25 games with the Nationals this season. Manager Dave Martinez said that he wants Adams to get everyday at-bats in Triple-A. He also said that Adams will work on playing first base while there.
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)