Key Nationals Starter Fully Healthy After Long Layoff

Josiah Gray expected to compete for rotation spot after missing nearly two seasons due to injury.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Washington Nationals will have an interesting battle for their starting rotation this spring, with Josiah Gray reportedly fully healthy and ready to compete for a spot after missing nearly two seasons due to a flexor strain and subsequent Tommy John surgery. Gray, who was acquired in the Trea Turner and Max Scherzer trade, showed promise in 2023 before the injury, making the All-Star team and posting a 3.91 ERA over 30 starts.

Why it matters

Having a healthy Gray is a huge boost for the Nationals' rotation, which needs all the help it can get. Gray's return could provide a significant lift if he can regain his 2023 form, but the team will have to determine how to handle his workload after such a long layoff.

The details

Gray made just two starts in 2024 before hitting the injured list with a flexor strain, eventually undergoing Tommy John surgery that kept him out for the rest of that season and all of 2025. He was able to throw 5 2/3 innings on a rehab assignment to close out last year, but wasn't able to make his return to the major league mound. Now, manager Blake Butera has said Gray "is fully healthy and ready to go" as the Nationals get spring training underway.

  • Gray underwent Tommy John surgery in 2024, keeping him out for the rest of that season and all of 2025.
  • Gray threw 5 2/3 innings on a rehab assignment to close out the 2022 season.

The players

Josiah Gray

A 28-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Washington Nationals who was acquired in the Trea Turner and Max Scherzer trade. Gray made the All-Star team in 2023 and posted a 3.91 ERA over 30 starts before missing nearly two seasons due to injury.

Blake Butera

The manager of the Washington Nationals.

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What they’re saying

“[Josiah Gray] is fully healthy and ready to go.”

— Blake Butera, Manager (Junks Radio)

What’s next

It will be interesting to see how the Nationals handle Gray during spring training, as president of baseball operations Paul Toboni said they "expect him to build up like any other starting pitcher competing for a job," suggesting he won't be handed a rotation spot.

The takeaway

Gray's return to full health is a significant development for the Nationals, who need all the help they can get in their starting rotation. If Gray can regain his 2023 form, it could provide a major boost, but the team will have to carefully manage his workload after such a long layoff.