Cavalli (elbow) hasn't pitched since May 30, but the Nationals are simply giving him some rest before the final push in his recovery from Tommy John surgery, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports. "Just giving himself a little break, a little breather," manager Dave Martinez said Wednesday. "He's been pushing himself pretty hard. We're still ahead of the game a little bit. We just want to ease up a little bit."

EDGE Analysis

The 25-year-old right-hander underwent the procedure in March 2023, and the organization is making sure he'll be fully recovered when he finally comes off IL. Cavalli has struck out 10 batters in 5.1 innings over his first two rehab appearances, one in the Florida Complex League and one with High-A Wilmington, but the Nats have yet to set a date for his next start. He's expected to join the big-league rotation before the end of the month.

Cavalli (elbow) gave up two earned runs on no hits and three walks while striking out five over 2.2 innings Thursday in a rehab start with High-A Wilmington.

EDGE Analysis

Cavalli, who is on the mend from March 2023 Tommy John surgery, made the second appearance of his rehab assignment after previously covering 2.2 scoreless innings in the Florida Complex League on May 20. Though he didn't allow a hit Thursday, Cavalli struggled with his control. In addition to issuing three walks, Cavalli threw 30 of his 54 pitches for strikes, hit a batter and threw two wild pitches. He'll look to iron out his control in the subsequent starts during his rehab assignment, which is likely to last until around mid-June.

Cavalli (elbow) struck out five and allowed one hit and one walk in 2.2 scoreless innings Monday in a rehab start for the Nationals' rookie-level Florida Complex League affiliate.

EDGE Analysis

Seeing his first game action since undergoing Tommy John surgery in March 2023, Cavalli simply overmatched FCL hitters over 44 pitches. The 25-year-old right-hander touched 97 miles per hour with his fastball, per Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com, and the one hit off him came from MLB veteran Jose Abreu. Washington will now have 30 days to decide whether Cavalli is ready to join the big-league rotation in mid-June, but if the front office decided he needs more time to complete his recovery, he could be optioned to Triple-A Rochester. Either way, Cavalli should be back on the 26-man roster at some point this summer.

Cavalli (elbow) has been assigned to the Florida Complex League Nationals to begin a rehab assignment, Spencer Nusbaum of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Working his way back from Tommy John surgery, Cavalli's 30-day rehab clock will begin once he makes his first rehab start. It will be the 25-year-old's first game action since 2022. Cavalli should eventually be an option to join the Nationals' rotation this season, but how soon that will be figures to depend largely on how he looks over the next several weeks.

Cavalli (elbow) is ready for a rehab assignment in the Florida Complex League, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Once Cavalli makes his first start, his 30-day rehab clock will start. One of the Nationals' top pitching prospects, Cavalli underwent Tommy John Surgery in March of 2023 and is finally ready to pitch in-game. Assuming he can avoid any setbacks, he's on track for a June return.

Cavalli (elbow) threw 45 pitches over the equivalent of 2.2 innings in a live bullpen session Friday at the Nationals' spring training complex at West Palm Beach, Bobby Blanco of MASNSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Nationals are being deliberate with the 25-year-old's recovery from March 2023 Tommy John surgery, but Cavalli is in the home stretch. The team hasn't indicated when he might begin a rehab assignment, but he could join the big-league rotation in late June or early July.

Nationals manager Dave Martinez said that Cavalli's (elbow) fastball averaged 96 miles per hour and touched 98 mph in a 20-pitch live batting practice session Monday, Spencer Nusbaum of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Martinez came away impressed with how the right-hander looked, noting that Cavalli threw the ball "really well." Cavalli would appear to be nearing a rehab assignment, although he might be asked to throw another live BP or two at extended spring training first. He's working his way back from March 2023 Tommy John surgery and could be ready to return from the 60-day injured list at some point in June.

Cavalli (elbow) is scheduled to face live batters Monday, Bobby Blanco of MASNSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander has recently been ramping things up in his bullpen sessions and is now ready to face live hitters for the first time since he underwent Tommy John surgery in March of 2023. Cavalli will likely require at least a couple live sessions before progressing to a rehab assignment, which should include a handful of starts in the minors.

Cavalli (elbow) touched 96 mph during a 60-pitch bullpen session Tuesday, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cavalli is working his way back from last March's Tommy John surgery. He should be cleared to face hitters next, with a rehab assignment soon to follow. Cavalli could eventually be an option for the Nationals' rotation, but he's on the 60-day injured list and will need plenty of time in the minors first.

Nationals manager Dave Martinez said April 6 that Cavalli (elbow) is expected to begin facing live hitters at some point this month, MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Throwing live batting practice sessions would mark a step forward in Cavalli's recovery from his March 2023 Tommy John surgery, as the right-hander had been limited to tossing bullpen sessions during spring training. Cavalli will likely face live hitters in controlled settings for a few weeks before eventually heading out on a minor-league rehab assignment that will likely last for most of the 30-day rehab window. Cavalli opened the season on the 60-day injured list and isn't on track to make his 2024 debut until at least late May, though a June return is probably more realistic.