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Washington Nationals starting pitcher MacKenzie Gore (elbow) has officially been shut down for the rest of the regular season. The hope was that the left-hander would be able to make one start before the end of the year. He threw 72 pitches during a rehab start on Monday, but ultimately the team doesn't want to risk it. They'd rather have Gore rest and recover so he can be ready for the beginning of next season. Gore was acquired in the trade that sent Juan Soto to the San Diego Padres. The expectation is that Gore will be a significant piece of the Nationals rotation going forward.
Washington Nationals starting pitcher Cade Cavalli (shoulder) has resumed throwing and will play catch from 60 feet on Friday. The 24-year-old has been shut down for the season after only making one start for the Nationals. However, it sounds like the right-hander is making solid progress. He reportedly doesn't feel any pain in his shoulder, which is great news. It doesn't sound like he'll throw off a mound until later this offseason, but should be ready for the beginning of next season.
Washington Nationals starting pitcher Josiah Gray was impressive Wednesday, limiting the red-hot Atlanta Braves to one run on two hits and two walks in six innings, as the Nationals would go on to win 3-2 in 10 innings. Gray struck out two batters and took a no-decision. Gray had given up at least four earned runs in each of his last four starts. With a 5.02 ERA and 1.36 WHIP in 148 2/3 innings, it hasn't been the season the Nationals hoped for Gray. He figures to be off the fantasy radar heading into 2023, especially given the sorry state of the Nationals roster relative to the rest of the division.
Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams had a strong game Wednesday, going 3-for-5 at the plate with three singles, including a walk-off in the bottom of the 10th to give the team a 3-2 victory over the Atlanta Braves. Abrams also scored a run. With just a .603 OPS through his first 281 plate appearances, Abrams is very difficult to roster in redraft leagues, but he is a must in dynasty and keeper formats. He will be given every opportunity to prove he can be an all-category producer heading into 2023, as the rebuilding Washington Nationals can afford to have patience.
Washington Nationals starting pitcher Paolo Espino remained winless on the season when he took the loss in the 8-2 defeat to the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday. Espino allowed four earned runs on five hits (two homers) while walking none and striking out five in five innings pitched. The 35-year-old right-hander gave up back-to-back home runs to Orlando Arcia and Ronald Acuna Jr. in the fifth inning. In 41 appearances (18 starts), Espino has a 4.30 ERA (4.54 FIP), a 1.31 WHIP and a 92:22 K:BB in 113 innings pitched for the Nationals in 2022. There's a good chance that he won't have another chance to pick up his first win of the season before the end of the year.
