Washington Nationals

Connelly Early

SP

Manager Blake Butera indicated the organization wasn't overly concerned about Early's health, but the setback might have been the only excuse the Nationals needed to rule the southpaw out from pitching in the majors again this season. Acquired in the Curtis Mead (wrist) deal, Early had a 3.44 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 93:34 K:BB through 91.2 innings for the Red Sox earlier this year. He last saw game action June 30 before landing on the IL with elbow inflammation.

CJ Abrams

SS

Abrams hasn't played since he injured his left ankle during the ninth inning of Wednesday's game against Texas. His absence will continue into Saturday, and although the Nationals haven't indicated the 25-year-old will need to spend time on the injured list, he may need to do so if he isn't able to return to action soon. Nasim Nunez will start at shortstop and bat eighth.

DJ Herz

SP

After Herz underwent Tommy John surgery in April 2025 and then suffered a left flexor strain in late June, the Nationals have been having him ramp up slowly since he started up a new rehab assignment earlier this month. Through three outings between Single-A Fredericksburg and Harrisburg, Herz has yet to permit a run, but he's been limited to one, two and two innings in those appearances. The 33 pitches he threw Thursday marked a new high total for Herz, but he'll likely need to push that count up to the 70-to-80 range before becoming a viable option for the Washington rotation.

Josiah Gray

SP

It will be Gray's first official game action since he made three rehab starts late last season following July 2024 Tommy John surgery with an internal brace. The righty suffered a flexor strain during spring training and opened the year on the 60-day injured list, but he's finally been cleared to pitch in games again. Gray could make some starts for the Nationals in September if he can avoid more setbacks.

James Wood

RF

Wood hasn't been shut down from baseball activities completely, but the 24-year-old outfielder remains in a holding pattern and hasn't been cleared for more strenuous exercises. Per MLB.com, Wood has been throwing at about 65 percent intensity out to 90 feet, taking dry swings at about 70 percent intensity and swinging off a tee at about 60 percent intensity. Based on where he currently stands in his recovery, Wood looks to be at least a week or two away from potentially rejoining the Nationals.