RADIO
Cade Cavalli's Next Start Moved Up to Sunday
Washington Nationals right-hander Cade Cavalli's next start will be moved up to the series finale on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Pirates after originally being slated to make his next start on Monday in the series finale against the Houston Astros. It means that Cavalli won't be in line for a two-start week next week just before the All-Star break. Right-hander Miles Mikolas will now likely be pushed back to Monday's game against the Astros. Cavalli is coming off the best start of his season last Sunday against the Boston Red Sox, when he threw seven innings with a season-high 13 strikeouts and an unearned run allowed, but MLB handed him a seven-game suspension for his part in a benches-clearing incident. The Nationals will move him up so he can get another start in before potentially serving his suspension next week. The 27-year-old has a solid 3.69 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, and 102 K's in 90 1/3 innings in a career-high 18 starts in 2026 and will be on the streaming radar on Sunday against a Pirates team that ranks first in baseball in strikeouts, but they're also second in OPS.
Source: The Baltimore Banner - Kyle W.
Source: The Baltimore Banner - Kyle W.
Cade Cavalli Appealing his Seven-Game Suspension
The Athletic's Evan Drellich reports that Washington Nationals right-hander Cade Cavalli is appealing the seven-game suspension that Major League Baseball handed down on Thursday for his role in a benches-clearing incident last Sunday versus the Boston Red Sox, according to a source. It means that Cavalli could be allowed to make his next scheduled start on Monday against the Houston Astros if the league hasn't made a decision on his appeal by then. The 27-year-old is having a fine first full season in the big leagues in 2026 with the Nats and should become more popular off the waiver wire after his last strong outing on Sunday against the BoSox, when he allowed an unearned run on just one hit while walking none and striking out a season-high 13 batters to pick up his fifth win of the year. Cavalli has allowed more than three earned runs in 13 of his last 14 starts and is now sporting a 5-4 record with a 3.69 ERA (3.22 FIP) and 1.33 WHIP with 102 strikeouts and 29 walks in 90 1/3 innings across 18 starts. He's rostered in only 28% of Yahoo leagues currently.
Source: The Athletic - Evan Drellich
Source: The Athletic - Evan Drellich
MLB Hits Cade Cavalli With Seven-Game Suspension
Major League Baseball announced on Thursday that it suspended Washington Nationals right-hander Cade Cavalli for seven games for his actions initiating and during the benches-clearing incident in Sunday's series finale against the Boston Red Sox, according to Rob Bradford of WEEI. Cavalli struck out Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras, which sparked tensions between both teams. It's unclear if Cavalli will appeal his suspension, but if he doesn't, he won't be eligible to return until right before the All-Star break on July 11, which means he would miss his next scheduled start this weekend against the Pittsburgh Pirates. In his start against Boston on Sunday, Cavalli had his best game of the year, allowing an unearned run on just one hit while walking none and striking out a season-high 13 batters in seven innings for his fifth win of the 2026 season. It's obviously a bad time for Cavalli to be hit with a suspension coming off his best game of the year. The former 22nd overall pick in 2020 out of the University of Oklahoma has gone 5-4 this year with a 3.69 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, and 102 strikeouts in 90 1/3 innings across a career-high 18 starts in his first full season in the majors.
Source: WEEI - Rob Bradford
Source: WEEI - Rob Bradford
Cade Cavalli Dominates BoSox With Career-High 13 Strikeouts
Washington Nationals right-hander Cade Cavalli had his swing-and-miss stuff working in Tuesday night's 8-1 win over the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Cavalli allowed just an unearned run on one hit while walking none and striking out a career-high 13 batters in seven innings to pick up his fifth win of the year and lower his ERA to 3.69. He's now sporting a 3.22 FIP and 1.33 WIHP with 102 strikeouts and 29 walks in 90 1/3 innings across his career-high 18 starts in just his third big-league season. Cavalli also leads the majors with 12 hit-by-pitches. The 27-year-old former first-round pick in 2020 out of the University of Oklahoma retired the last 19 batters he faced and generated 25 whiffs on his 100 pitches. It was the first time this season that Cavalli didn't allow an earned run, and he's held the opponent to three runs or fewer in all but two of his 18 starts in 2026. Cavalli had a 3.82 ERA (3.56 FIP) with 34 strikeouts and eight walks in 30 2/3 innings in his six starts in June, and he should be trusted in fantasy lineups for his next scheduled outing against the Houston Astros.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Cade Cavalli a Priority Starting Pitcher Streamer to Target on the Waiver Wire?
Across 77 1/3 innings (16 starts) in 2026, Washington Nationals starting pitcher Cade Cavalli has recorded a 4-4 record with a 4.07 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, and 82 strikeouts. The 27-year-old's tendency to generate ground balls (50.1% career ground-ball rate), combined with the Nationals' porous defense, has led to opponents hitting .356 on balls in play against him. However, Cavalli limits home runs (0.70 HR/9) and generates swing-and-miss at a solid rate (23.5% strikeout rate). Fantasy managers should be prepared for Cavalli's WHIP to be problematic. Still, Cavalli profiles as a streamer option worth targeting for certain matchups on the waiver wire in deeper leagues. Cavalli's next scheduled start is on Thursday at home against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Cade Cavalli Feeling Better, Will Start on Saturday
The Washington Nationals announced that right-hander Cade Cavalli (illness) is starting on Saturday on the road against the Tampa Bay Rays after being scratched from his scheduled start in Friday's series opener at Tropicana Field due to an illness. Cavalli has gone 4-4 with a 3.98 ERA (3.42 FIP), and 1.39 WHIP with 81 strikeouts and 25 walks in 74 2/3 innings pitched over 15 starts in his third major-league season. He has allowed more than three runs just once since the start of May, but he hasn't gone beyond five innings and has a 5.40 ERA (4.96 FIP) with 13 strikeouts and four walks in 15 innings pitched in his three starts in June. The 27-year-old former 22nd overall pick in the 2020 MLB draft out of the University of Oklahoma has improved his strikeout rate from a weak 18.3% last year to 24.3% in 2026, but he'll have a difficult task at hand on Saturday against the first-place Rays as he looks for his first quality start since May 26. The Rays have the fewest home runs in the majors, but they also strike out the fewest of any team in MLB.
Source: Washington Nationals
Source: Washington Nationals
Cade Cavalli Scratched From Friday's Start Due to Illness
Washington Nationals right-hander Cade Cavalli (illness) has been scratched from his start on Friday in the series opener against the Kansas City Royals due to an illness, according to Spencer Nusbaum of The Athletic. In Cavalli's place, the Nats will use left-hander PJ Poulin as an opener. We do not know as of right now whether Cavalli will be able to make his next start this weekend against the Royals or if he'll be skipped entirely in Washington's starting rotation. The 27-year-old former 22nd overall pick in 2020 out of the University of Oklahoma has emerged as a waiver-wire target in his third year in the big leagues in 2026, going 4-4 with a 3.98 ERA (3.41 FIP) and 1.39 WHIP with 81 strikeouts and 25 walks in 74 2/3 innings pitched across his 15 starts for the Nats. Cavalli has allowed over three earned runs in just two of his 15 starts this year and has boosted his strikeout rate to 24.3% after sporting a well below-average strikeout rate of 18.3% in 2025.
Source: The Athletic - Spencer Nusbaum
Source: The Athletic - Spencer Nusbaum
Cade Cavalli Emerging as Sneaky Waiver Target Amid Improving Command
Washington Nationals right-handed pitcher Cade Cavalli is building a stronger waiver-wire case behind his improving strikeout production and command. Across 74 2/3 innings, the 27-year-old owns a 4-4 record, 3.98 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, and 81 strikeouts. The season-long WHIP remains a concern, but Cavalli has been steadier over his last seven starts, posting a 3.83 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, and 41 strikeouts over 40 innings. Cavalli's walk rate keeps him from being a completely safe ratio play, and he has not worked beyond five innings in any of his last three outings. However, over these last seven starts, Cavalli has walked just eight hitters (1.8 BB/9), compared to the much higher 4.4 BB/9 he posted over his first 34 2/3 innings, suggesting he is taking major strides forward. With his Yahoo roster rate at 33%, Cavalli remains widely available to managers looking for a pitcher trending in the right direction and possesses solid strikeout upside.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
DJ Herz a Sneaky Stash Target Ahead of Rehab Assignment?
Washington Nationals left-hander DJ Herz (elbow) will start a minor-league rehab assignment on Tuesday with the Single-A Fredericksburg Nationals, according to Milb Central. Herz is close to making his return to the Nationals after having Tommy John surgery last year. Through his first two rehab starts in the rookie-level Florida Complex League, the 25-year-old southpaw has looked strong, throwing five scoreless innings with no walks and eight strikeouts. The Nationals aren't going to rush Herz back to the big leagues, though, so he could still require a handful of rehab starts before they consider reinstating him from the 60-day injured list. The former eighth-round pick by the Chicago Cubs in 2019 made his major-league debut with Washington in 2024 and went 4-9 with a 4.16 ERA (3.71 FIP) and 1.26 WHIP with 106 strikeouts and 36 walks in 88 2/3 frames across his 19 starts. Herz was more of a fly-ball pitcher, but his 29.3% whiff rate and 27.7% strikeout rate make him an interesting long-term starting option for those in deeper fantasy leagues. In those same formats, managers may want to consider stashing Herz now. He's available in all Yahoo leagues right now.
Source: Milb Central
Source: Milb Central
Foster Griffin a Waiver-Wire Target With Good Upcoming Matchup
Washington Nationals left-hander Foster Griffin had another solid outing on Wednesday at Oracle Park against the San Francisco Giants, although he did not factor into the decision. Griffin allowed just one earned run on six hits (one homer) while walking none and striking out five in six innings for a quality start. Since allowing 14 earned runs in 9 1/3 innings on May 14 and May 19 against the Cincinnati Reds and New York Mets, the 30-year-old southpaw has steadied the ship by giving up only five earned runs on 16 hits (five homers) while walking three and striking out 20 in 22 innings over his last four starts. Griffin's strong start on Wednesday in the Bay Area dropped his season ERA to 3.46 (4.75 FIP) and his WHIP to 1.09 in his 14 starts. He has struck out 74 and walked 21 in 78 innings pitched. Griffin is due for some regression the rest of the way, but fantasy managers should consider picking him up off the waiver wire for his next scheduled outing against the Kansas City Royals, who rank 25th in baseball with a .693 OPS.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Cade Cavalli a Top Waiver-Wire Target Ahead of Potential Breakout Season
Across 69 2/3 innings (14 starts) so far in 2026, Washington Nationals starting pitcher Cade Cavalli has recorded a 3-4 record with a 3.88 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, and 76 strikeouts. The 27-year-old ran into some trouble in his most recent outing against the Arizona Diamondbacks, allowing four earned runs across five innings of work. However, Cavalli was riding a heater heading into the Arizona start, allowing just eight earned runs while recording 30 strikeouts across his previous 24 1/3 innings (four starts). While Cavalli's elevated WHIP is an issue for fantasy managers, his 8% walk rate is manageable. Cavalli's WHIP is more of a function of opposing batters hitting .355 on balls in play against him, which is likely to regress over a larger sample size. The hard-throwing right-hander's 3.36 FIP and 16.3% K-BB rate both point to the possibility of a breakout season for Cavalli in 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
DJ Herz Set to Begin Rehab Assignment, Worth Stashing Ahead of Return?
Washington Nationals left-hander DJ Herz (elbow) has been sent on a rehab assignment in the Florida Coast League. The 25-year-old is working his way back from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent in April 2025. Herz made his MLB debut with Washington in 2024, recording a 4-9 record with a 4.16 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and 106 strikeouts across 88 2/3 innings (19 starts). Herz consistently struggled with command during his time in the minors before his debut, but he kept his walk rate to a manageable 9.4% while striking out an impressive 27.7% of the batters he faced in his first taste of the big leagues. Given how long he's been out, Herz will likely require an extensive rehab stint before he's ready to return to Washington. However, his ability to miss bats gives him considerable fantasy upside and could make him worth stashing off the waiver wire ahead of his eventual activation.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Is Foster Griffin Still Worth Targeting on the Waiver Wire Amidst Recent Struggles?
Across 67 innings (12 starts) so far in 2026, Washington Nationals starting pitcher Foster Griffin has recorded a 6-2 record with a 3.76 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and 65 strikeouts. The 30-year-old has cooled off a bit in recent weeks after a red-hot start to the season, allowing 17 earned runs over his last 20 1/3 innings (four starts). The long ball has been an issue for Griffin, as he currently owns a 1.75 HR/9. Still, Griffin has limited opponents to a 37.8% hard-hit rate and owns a quality 15.7% K-BB rate. There's also reason to think he's been a bit unlucky to give up homers as often as he has, as his 18.1% home run to fly ball rate is well above league average. Griffin may not offer crazy upside, but he remains a solid starting pitcher streamer for fantasy managers to target on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Cade Cavalli Must-Add on the Waiver Wire After Third Straight Quality Start?
Washington Nationals right-hander Cade Cavalli is really starting to look like the pitcher a lot of fantasy managers have been waiting for. The 27-year-old just threw his third straight quality start on Tuesday, allowing one run over six innings with seven strikeouts in a win over the Guardians. Across his last three outings, he's posted a 2.79 ERA with 24 punchouts in 19 1/3 innings, and for the season he sits at (3-3) with a 3.62 ERA and 68 Ks in 59 2/3 innings. His stuff is still nasty, as his K% has increased from 18.3% last year to 25.4% in 2026. He's finally putting it all together without the old command issues popping up as much. With favorable matchups against the Marlins and Diamondbacks coming up, fantasy managers should look to add Cavalli (50% rostered in Yahoo Fantasy leagues) in most leagues and continue to stream him while he's pitching well.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Cade Cavalli Emerging as a Must-Add Starting Pitcher
Washington Nationals starting pitcher Cade Cavalli put forth another strong effort on Tuesday, allowing one run and striking out seven across six innings of work in his team's win over the Cleveland Guardians. Across 59 2/3 innings (12 starts) this season, Cavalli has posted a 3-3 record with a 3.62 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, and 68 strikeouts. He's been particularly effective of late, recording 24 strikeouts over his last 19 1/3 innings pitched (three starts). Cavalli's inflated WHIP could be a symptom of bad luck as well, as opposing batters are currently posting an unsustainably high .361 batting average on balls in play against him. Heading into his next scheduled start against the Miami Marlins on Monday, Cavalli profiles as a prime waiver wire target with upside.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
