This will be the first time Gray, 26, started on the injured list in the major leagues and started in Washington’s season opener. His only remaining stint on the IL took place in 2021 when he was a minor leaguer in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ system.
Gray entered this year hoping to build on the season in which he made his first All-Star appearance, but struggled in the second half. He got off to a rough start on opening day against the Cincinnati Reds, giving up seven runs in four innings. In his most recent start, Thursday against the Pittsburgh Pirates, he gave up six runs in 4 1/3 innings. Gray is 0-2 with an ERA of 14.04. His shaky start may be due to injuries.
Gray joins a growing list of pitchers dealing with arm injuries. In the National League East alone, Atlanta Braves right-hander Spencer Strider is on the IL, and Miami Marlins right-hander Yuri Perez is on the IL. I was scheduled to have Tommy John surgery this week..New York Mets right-hander Kodai Senga withdraws due to right capsule pain.
There’s also 2020 American League Cy Young Award winner and Cleveland Guardians right-hander Shane Bieber, who will need surgery to repair his ulnar collateral ligament. New York Yankees right-hander Gerrit Cole, the current American League Cy Young Award winner, is undergoing rehabilitation in hopes of making a comeback. Nerve inflammation in right elbow.Houston Astros left-hander Framber Valdez experiences pain on his left elbow this week..
Gray’s long-term injury will be a huge blow to the Nationals, whose young arms are key to their rebuild. Washington is already without Cade Cavalli, who made his major league debut in August 2022. He underwent Tommy John surgery in March 2023 and has yet to face a live batter.
