RADIO
Connelly Early to Pitch This Weekend
Washington Nationals left-hander Connelly Early (elbow) threw 40 pitches across 1 2/3 innings with Triple-A Rochester on Sept. 20 and will come off the 60-day injured list to make one more start this season this weekend against the division-rival New York Mets, according to MLB.com. Early landed on the injured list on July 1 and was moved to the 60-day IL on Aug. 22 due to inflammation in his left elbow. It will be his first start with the Nationals after the team acquired him from the Boston Red Sox at the trade deadline in early August. In his 17 starts (91 2/3 innings pitched) for the BoSox this year in his second season in the big leagues, Early went 7-5 with a 3.44 ERA (4.60 FIP) and 1.25 WHIP with 93 strikeouts and 34 walks. He had a 2.33 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in a smaller sample size of only four starts in his first taste of the big leagues near the end of the 2025 campaign. Early, a fifth-rounder from Virginia in 2023, is one of the more intriguing young lefty arms in baseball, but he will be far too risky in starting fantasy lineups with championships on the line this weekend against New York after his long injury layoff. UPDATE: Early will make his Nationals debut on Saturday.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Cade Cavalli Done for the Year
Washington Nationals right-hander Cade Cavalli is done for the year and will not make another start in the final week of the 2026 season, according to Spencer Nusbaum of The Athletic. Cavalli is healthy, but the Nationals will shut him down given all of his innings and where they are in the standings with no hope of a playoff berth. The 28-year-old former first-rounder in 2020 from the University of Oklahoma had a breakout 2026 campaign in his first full year in the big leagues in D.C., going 13-5 with a 3.02 ERA (3.25 FIP) and 1.15 WHIP with a career-high 200 strikeouts and 48 walks in 169 2/3 innings pitched across his 32 starts. Going into the year, Cavalli had only made 11 starts and had missed all of 2023 after having Tommy John surgery. Washington recently rewarded the rising young arm with a four-year, $47 million contract extension last week. Cavalli will be an intriguing starting-pitching target in all fantasy formats next year after raising his strikeout rate to a career-high 28.3% in 2026.
Source: The Athletic - Spencer Nusbaum
Source: The Athletic - Spencer Nusbaum
Cade Cavalli Agrees to Four-Year Extension With Nationals
The Washington Nationals announced on Friday that they agreed to a four-year contract extension with right-hander Cade Cavalli through the 2030 season that includes a club option for the 2031 season. The deal is worth $47 million guaranteed and $70 million if the options are picked up, according to Spencer Nusbaum of The Athletic. The 28-year-old secures his future in D.C. after a breakout 2026 campaign. The former 22nd overall pick from the University of Oklahoma in 2020 has gone 12-5 this year with a 3.12 ERA (3.33 FIP), 1.17 WHIP, and 194:48 K:BB in 164 2/3 innings pitched across his 31 starts in his first full season in the big leagues. Cavalli only made one start in his debut season in 2022 with the Nats, did not pitch at all in 2023 due to Tommy John surgery, and made only 10 starts in Washington last year. He has posted a career-high 28.2% strikeout rate and maintained the command that he showed in a small sample size in 2025 by walking 7.0% of the batters he has faced. With a longer leash in 2027, Cavalli could be even better if he stays healthy.
Source: Washington Nationals
Source: Washington Nationals
Jarlin Susana Promoted to Triple-A, Also Headed to Arizona Fall League
Washington Nationals pitching prospect Jarlin Susana was promoted to Triple-A Rochester on Tuesday and will get a shot to help catapult the Red Wings to the playoffs, with the squad currently sitting in first place in the second half of the International League East. The Nats' third-ranked prospect missed most of the season recovering from right lat surgery, but showed he was still highly capable of striking out batters, recording 21 punchouts in just 11 1/3 innings pitched at Double-A upon his return, which was good for a 16.7 K/9. The 6-foot-6 hurler will then head to the Arizona Fall League for some additional reps once the Triple-A season wraps up, and he should be in the mix for a major league debut at some point next season. The 22-year-old has some command concerns, but oozing with sky-high strikeout potential, he's still a worthwhile dynasty asset.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Cade Cavalli Set to Start on Saturday Against Dodgers
Washington Nationals right-hander Cade Cavalli (calf) has been cleared to make his next start on Saturday on the road against the Los Angeles Dodgers, according to MLB.com. Cavalli only made it through four innings in his previous start last Saturday against the division-rival Miami Marlins after he was hit by a line drive on his calf. The 28-year-old was able to avoid a major injury, though, and should be fine to pitch again this weekend against the defending World Series champion Dodgers. Cavalli has been a strong fantasy option in his first full major-league season in 2026, going 12-5 with a 3.12 ERA (3.38 FIP) and 1.19 WHIP with 177 strikeouts and 46 walks in 152 2/3 innings across his 29 starts. The former first-round pick in 2020 from the University of Oklahoma allowed more than two earned runs only once in his six starts in August, posting a 1.75 ERA (3.93 FIP) with 10 walks and 47 strikeouts in 36 innings pitched. Cavalli should be good for a full workload in his return to the mound on Saturday, but the matchup is obviously not ideal.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jarlin Susana Full of Potential As He Continues His Return From Injury
Washington Nationals pitching prospect Jarlin Susana is fully recovered from a right lat tear and is back pitching with the Double-A Harrisburg Senators. Susana has made just four starts in 2026 with and 0-1 record to go with a 4.00 ERA and 17 strikeouts in nine innings. He's pitched three games for High-A Wilmington and recently made his Harrisburg debut. He pitched 2 2/3 innings in his outing for the Senators with one hit and one walk with no earned runs. He struck out four batters in his solid but shortened outing. Susana continues to work his way back and is the No. 3 overall prospect for Washington with a 70-grade fastball and slider combination that helps give him an excellent strikeout rate. Susana is a Dominican Republic product and is a name to monitor in dynasty leagues with great upside.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Nationals Promoting Jackson Kent for MLB Debut This Week
The Washington Nationals are set to promote left-handed pitching prospect Jackson Kent this week before their series against the Chicago Cubs, sources told Spencer Nusbaum of The Athletic. The Nationals' youth movement is at full tilt with the possibility of a playoff push front of mind, and Kent is the latest young player to get a look at the MLB level in D.C. Kent will fill the vacated rotation spot of right-hander Zack Littell, who was designated for assignment last week. The 23-year-old Kent has a crafty pitch mix and has seen a jump in velocity this year, making him a potentially interesting rotation addition in deeper fantasy leagues for the stretch run if he can pitch well enough to hold a rotation spot through September. At Double-A and Triple-A in 2026, Kent has posted a 3.72 ERA in 94 1/3 innings and could offer meaningful upside to Washington's pitching staff late in the year. The former fourth-rounder has impressed with his pitchability, command, and extension down on the farm. All four of Kent's pitches have missed bats at Rochester, striking out around 10 hitters per nine innings while walking just 2.9 per nine.
Source: The Athletic - Spencer Nusbaum
Source: The Athletic - Spencer Nusbaum
Luis Perales Could Make Big-League Debut Soon
Washington Nationals starting pitcher Luis Perales could be nearing his big league debut, according to Spencer Nusbaum of The Athletic. The 23-year-old came over in a trade with the Boston Red Sox this past offseason. He struggled to begin the season in Triple-A Rochester, but has pitched much better lately. Over his last eight starts, Perales owns a 2.79 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and a 41/25 K/BB ratio across nearly 40 innings of work. It wouldn't be shocking to see the Nats give some of their younger arms a chance if they fade from playoff contention down the stretch of the season. Perales is someone deep league managers should keep an eye on right now.
Source: The Athletic
Source: The Athletic
Guardians Acquire Lefty Starter Foster Griffin From the Nationals
The Cleveland Guardians acquired left-hander Foster Griffin from the Washington Nationals on Monday, a source told Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. The Athletic's Spencer Nusbaum reports that the Guardians are sending minor-league pitchers Will Dion, Josh Hartle, and Kendeglys Virguez, and outfielder Nick Mitchell to the Nationals. The 31-year-old veteran southpaw will head to the American League Central to bolster Cleveland's starting rotation alongside Gavin Williams, Parker Messick, Joey Cantillo, and Tanner Bibee. Griffin will become a free agent after the 2026 season, so he could end up just being a rental for the rest of this year. The former first-rounder by the Kansas City Royals in 2014 has gone 12-3 this year with a 3.06 ERA (4.09 FIP) and 1.07 WHIP with 116 strikeouts and 30 walks in 22 starts and 129 1/3 innings pitched in his first big-league season since 2022 after spending the last three years playing in Japan. Griffin is currently tied for fourth in baseball with his 12 wins, and he will definitely bolster the Guards' rotation down the stretch. The lefty allowed six earned runs in 5 1/3 innings in a loss to the Atlanta Braves his last time out last Friday, but Griffin had a strong stretch from June 5 through July 19 where he didn't allow more than an earned run in any of his eight starts for the Nats.
Source: MLB.com - Mark Feinsand
Source: MLB.com - Mark Feinsand
Cade Cavalli Emerging as a Must-Add Starting Pitcher Amidst Recent Surge
Across 110 2/3 innings (22 starts) in 2026, Washington Nationals right-hander Cade Cavalli has recorded a 3.58 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and 127 strikeouts. The 27-year-old has been particularly hot of late, allowing just four earned runs while notching 22 strikeouts across his last 18 innings (three starts). Cavalli generates a ton of ground balls and does not have a particularly strong defense behind him in Washington, which may continue to lead to a slightly elevated WHIP. Still, Cavalli owns an impressive 26.6% strikeout rate with a 7.1% walk rate. He's also been difficult to take deep, allowing just 0.73 HR/9. In any league where he's not already rostered, Cavalli should be viewed as a must-add waiver wire target.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Connelly Early Traded to Washington
The Boston Red Sox have traded left-handed starting pitcher Connelly Early to the Washington Nationals in exchange for infielder Curtis Mead. Early was able to break camp with the Boston starting rotation but has been on the shelf since late June with an elbow injury. Early made his MLB debut late in the 2025 campaign and flashed high-end upside, logging his first 19 1/3 MLB innings to the tune of a 2.33 ERA and a sharp 1.09 WHIP. In 2026, Early posted a solid 3.44 ERA with a 1.25 WHIP across 92 2/3 innings. He totaled 93 punchouts while walking 8.7% of the hitters he has faced. While Early is still on the 15-day injured list, he recently began throwing, which suggests he should make his Nationals debut later in August. He remains a worthy stash candidate in all standard leagues as he should remain solid fantasy value down the stretch once back on the bump.
Source: Jeff Passan
Source: Jeff Passan
Cade Cavalli Is Worth Holding Despite His Coors Field Matchup
Washington Nationals starting pitcher Cade Cavalli is scheduled to face the Rockies at Coors Field on Wednesday, July 22. That is a rough spot, and fantasy managers do not have to force him into their lineups. Cavalli is 6-4 with a 3.78 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, and 119 strikeouts over 104 2/3 innings. The right-hander has been sharper lately, posting a 3.60 ERA and 1.06 WHIP with 43 strikeouts against seven walks across his last seven starts. He also fanned nine without issuing a walk over six innings against the Athletics on Friday. Cavalli is now rostered in 48% of Yahoo leagues, while RotoBaller still places him in its 12-team range. The Coors matchup is dangerous. The season-long strikeout production is worth holding onto beyond one start.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Foster Griffin is an Interesting Sell-High Candidate
Washington Nationals starting pitcher Foster Griffin has been one of the biggest surprises this season. Griffin returned to the big leagues this season after spending the last three years in Japan. He has been excellent and earned himself the first All-Star selection of his career in 2026. Through 19 starts, Griffin registered a 2.77 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and a 109/26 K/BB ratio across 110.1 innings this season. The 30-year-old is showing no signs of slowing down, but fantasy managers shouldn't put too much faith in him. Dynasty managers especially should consider selling high on Griffin. Given his age and the level of success he's experiencing, it's likely only going to regress from here. He doesn't have much of a professional track record and has already thrown well over 100 innings this season. Griffin could still be a valuable fantasy asset, but him posting ace-type numbers in the long-term seems unlikely.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Cade Cavalli a Second-Half Strikeout Target After Strong Return?
Washington Nationals starting pitcher Cade Cavalli returned from a five-game suspension Sunday and held the Yankees to two runs over six innings, striking out five without taking a decision. That pushed him to 5-4 with a 3.83 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, and 110 strikeouts in 98 2/3 innings. Even with the rough, heat-shortened outing against Pittsburgh, Cavalli has 21 strikeouts against three walks over his last three starts. The swing-and-miss is not coming from nowhere. Cavalli averages 96.7 mph with the four-seamer, while his curveball has a 39.0% whiff rate and has held hitters to a .214 average. There will still be uneven starts, as the 1.35 WHIP suggests, but he is no longer just a matchup stream in 12-team leagues. RotoBaller ranks Cavalli 65th for Week 16 and recommends him in that format. At 36% rostered on Yahoo, the strikeouts are worth chasing after the break.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Cade Cavalli's Suspension Reduced to Five Games
Washington Nationals right-hander Cade Cavalli's seven-game suspension from Major League Baseball has been reduced to five games, and it will begin on Monday night, according to Spencer Nusbaum. The suspension stems from a benches-clearing incident last week against the Boston Red Sox. The 27-year-old had his most recent start moved up to Sunday against the Pittsburgh Pirates, and he struggled with the heat and saw a dip in velocity, ultimately allowing four runs (three earned) on six hits (one homer) while walking two and striking out three in just 2 1/3 innings in a no-decision. He admitted after the game that he was feeling light-headed on a humid, 92-degree afternoon. It was a major disappointment for fantasy managers who started Cavalli after he allowed just an unearned run with no walks and a season-high 13 strikeouts in seven innings in a win over Boston in his previous outing. His fastball velocity dropped from 97.6 mph in the first inning to 96.1 mph in the second to 94.2 mph in the third inning. It doesn't appear that he's dealing with a physical injury, so he should be ready to make his final start of the first half against the New York Yankees this Sunday. That's a matchup that fantasy managers will probably want to shy away from.
Source: The Athletic - Spencer Nusbaum
Source: The Athletic - Spencer Nusbaum
