Washington Nationals starting pitcher Josiah Gray hasn’t thrown a big-league pitch since April 4, 2024. But the 28-year-old right-hander is on the verge of finally returning to an MLB mound.
Washington Nats Hurler Returning From 2024 Tommy John Surgery
After undergoing Tommy John surgery in July of 2024, Gray started a rehab assignment in September. In three stints with the Nationals’ High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A affiliates, Gray allowed zero runs in 5.2 innings. There was optimism that he could carry that momentum into his first healthy offseason and Spring Training in a while.
Unfortunately, Gray experienced a setback in March, suffering a right flexor strain that has sidelined him for most of 2026.
Still, Gray has persevered through the adversity, returning to action this past week.
Pitching for Low-A Fredericksburg, Gray tossed three innings over two outings, allowing one run while striking out three. The Nationals will likely play Gray’s rehab process slowly, but since he’s returning earlier than in 2025, there is a chance he will pitch in the majors this season.
Once he returns full strength, Gray can be a much-needed solid arm in Washington’s rotation.
Josiah Gray Was On The Rise Before Injury
In his final full season before the severe injuries, Gray was an All-Star selection. He logged a 3.91 ERA in 2023, striking out 143 batters in 159 innings.
The thing to watch with Gray once he gets his feet under him is his command. During the 2022 campaign, he surrendered 66 walks and 38 homers, both of which led the National League. In each of his first four seasons in the show, Gray hasn’t posted a walk rate below 10%. As he’s progressed in his career, Gray has incorporated more pitches into his arsenal and therefore needed better control during his starts.
Gray had only one offer coming out of New Rochelle High School and played for Le Moyne College in Syracuse, about four hours from his hometown. After being a two-way player in his freshman year, Gray posted a 0.63 ERA with 22 strikeouts and 10 saves as the Dolphins’ full-time closer. He earned the opportunity to be a starter in his junior season and went 11-0 with a 1.25 ERA, punching out 105 hitters in 93.1 frames.
Josiah Gray Looks To Return As A Force In Nats Rotation
The Cincinnati Reds selected Gray in the second round of the 2018 MLB Draft, but traded him to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a massive deal that December, which included Matt Kemp, Yasiel Puig, and Homer Bailey.
Thriving in the Dodgers’ system, Gray sported a 2.35 ERA over 145.2 innings, peaking as the organization’s No. 2 prospect as he rose through Los Angeles’ minor-league levels. He was called up to the big leagues in late July, made two starts, and was then traded again, this time to the Nationals in a blockbuster deal for Max Scherzer and Trea Turner.
Similar to when they originally acquired Gray five years ago, Washington is still in a rebuild phase. But by boasting one of the best offenses in baseball, led by James Wood and CJ Abrams, the Nationals’ next order of business is securing quality pitching.
Gray has just one year of control remaining, but could raise his stock with the Nationals and the rest of the league if he proves to be a valuable starter once he officially returns to MLB after his lengthy absence.
