Nationals Top Prospect Pitcher Removed From Game With Injury

Washington Nationals starter Cade Cavalli felt discomfort in the back of his throwing elbow after delivering a changeup in the third inning during Tuesday's Grapefruit League start against the New York Mets, and left the game immediately after.

Cavalli is set to undergo an MRI on his right elbow.

Dave Martinez said Cade Cavalli “felt something behind his throwing elbow.” He’s scheduled to get an MRI tomorrow and then we’ll know more.
— Andrew Golden (@andrewcgolden) March 14, 2023

Cade Cavalli threw a 1-1 pitch and is in some discomfort. He shook his arm and now Paul Lessard and Dave Martinez are checking on him on the mound.
— Andrew Golden (@andrewcgolden) March 14, 2023

Cavalli was expected to be part of the Nationals' starting rotation for the upcoming season, and is considered a top-100 prospect in baseball.

The MRI results will determine the severity of Cavalli's injury and the length of his potential absence from competition. Regardless of the results, it seems likely that the young pitcher will begin the season on the injured list, putting a dent in the Nationals' plans.

Cavalli finally made his major league debut last season, but it lasted just one start due to right shoulder inflammation.

The twenty-four-year-old led the minor leagues in strikeouts in the 2021 season and was the Nationals' 2021 first-round selection.

In the minors last season, Cavalli posted a pedestrian 3.71 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 104 strikeouts across 97 innings of work. He made 20 starts and held a 6-4 record.
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