Injuries & Moves: García sits again; Rainey working on adjustments
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May 18: 2B Luis García Jr. (heel injury) out for second consecutive game
García was replaced by Ildemaro Vargas at second base for the second game in a row after irritating his right heel in the previous series in Chicago. Between the discomfort and a matchup against a lefty starter, manager Dave Martinez decided to keep García out of the starting lineup.
May 18: RHP Tanner Rainey working on lower-half adjustments in return from Tommy John surgery
Rainey has not pitched since May 4. The Nationals have been working with the reliever on his consistency in his first full season back from Tommy John surgery. Rainey has a 9.00 ERA in 12 appearances this season.
“He’s got to stay on his legs a little bit longer,” said manager Dave Martinez. “He gets disengaged with his back foot off the rubber, and we want to see him keep his heel down on the rubber and use his legs a little bit better. I think once he starts that and feels comfortable doing that, the [velocity] will go up a tick. We’re trying to get him to understand that.”
10-day/15-day injured list
RF Lane Thomas (left MCL sprain)
Expected return: May
The Nationals are eyeing Thomas starting a rehab assignment at the beginning of next week. He is on the road with the team as he works on his recovery. Thomas was placed on the IL on April 24. (Last updated: May 17)
RHP Josiah Gray (right elbow/forearm flexor strain)
Expected return: May
The Nationals are encouraged by the progress of Gray’s bullpen sessions. Manager Dave Martinez noted, “If he keeps continuing to go this way, we’re going to ramp him up a little bit.” Gray was placed on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to April 6. (Last updated: May 17)
60-day IL
RHP Cade Cavalli (Tommy John surgery)
Expected return: Mid-2024
The next step in Cavalli’s progression will be pitching in the Rookie-level Florida Coast League. The goal will be to begin with two to three innings. (Last updated: May 17)
LHP Jose A. Ferrer (teres major strain)
Expected return: First half of season
Ferrer, who had been rehabbing with the team to start the season, is continuing his recovery at the Nationals training complex in West Palm Beach, Fla. He is throwing up to 75 feet. He experienced discomfort while extending his throwing arm during Spring Training and was placed on the 60-day IL on March 24. (Last updated: May 10)
RHP Mason Thompson (Tommy John surgery)
Expected return: 2025
Thompson, 26, underwent his second Tommy John surgery on March 1 after previously undergoing the procedure in high school. He was placed on the 60-day IL on March 24. (Last updated: March 24)