MLB Player News

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.

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.

Kelly yielded a run on three hits and two walks over five innings in a no-decision Monday against the Cubs. He struck out five.

Aside from a solo homer he allowed to Michael Busch, Kelly turned in a standard solid outing. It was Kelly's shortest start of the year, but he's now allowed two or fewer runs in each of his first four appearances in 2024. The veteran righty also set a new season high by forcing 13 swinging strikes. He'll carry a 2.19 ERA into his next start, which is lined up to be in San Francisco this weekend.

Parker (1-0) earned the win Monday in the Nationals' 6-4 win over the Dodgers, allowing two runs on four hits and no walks while striking out four batters over five innings.

Parker was recalled from Triple-A Rochester on Monday afternoon and faced the daunting task of going up against a loaded Dodgers lineup in his first major-league outing. The 24-year-old southpaw handled the task with aplomb, allowing just four baserunners and limiting Los Angeles to a pair of runs to nab the win. Given his successful debut, Parker will likely remain in the rotation for the time being with Josiah Gray on the 15-day injured list due to a right flexor strain.

Glasnow (3-1) took the loss against Washington on Monday, allowing six runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out five batters over five innings.

Glasnow was absolutely dominant against Minnesota in his previous outing, striking out 14 batters over seven scoreless innings. He couldn't carry that momentum into Monday, as he took his first loss as a Dodger and gave up a season high six runs and eight hits. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said after the outing that Glasnow has been under the weather in recent days, per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, so that may have had something to do with his subpar results against the Nationals. Given that the hurler was still able to give Los Angeles 94 pitches over five frames, there seems to be very little chance that the illness will prevent Glasnow from taking his next turn in the rotation on schedule.

Montas (2-2) took the loss against Seattle on Monday, allowing five runs on three hits and five walks while striking out one batter over two innings.

Much of Montas' troubles were self-inflicted, as he issued five free passes and threw just 34 of 66 pitches for strikes. It didn't help that he was hit hard when getting Mariners batters to swing -- two of the three hits against him left the park. Montas began the season looking great, going 2-0 and allowing just one run over 11.2 frames across his first two starts. However, he's faltered with two straight losses during which he's yielded 10 runs (eight earned) over seven innings. Montas will look to get back on track in his next start, which is tentatively lined up to come at home against the Angels this weekend.

Gray (2-0) earned the victory over Oakland on Monday, pitching six scoreless innings during which he allowed four hits and no walks while striking out six batters.

Gray needed just 72 pitches (50 of which were strikes) to get through six frames but wasn't allowed to go deeper since he's still getting fully ramped up. After opening the campaign on the injured list due to a hamstring injury, the veteran hurler has dominated in his first two starts, pitching 11 scoreless frames while racking up an 11:0 K:BB. Gray has won both of those outings, getting off to a promising beginning in his quest for his first double-digit win season since 2019.

Harrison (2-1) earned the win Monday, allowing three runs on eight hits and a walk over 6.0 innings against the Marlins. He struck out two.

Harrison turned in another solid outing Monday, yielding three or fewer runs for the third time in four starts. However, Harrison gave up a solo home run to Avisail Garcia in the second inning for his fifth long ball allowed on the year. After a solid rookie campaign, Harrison has proven to be a reliable arm in the back end of San Francisco's rotation. The 22-year-old is expected to make another start Saturday against the D-Backs.

Cabrera (shoulder) didn't factor into the decision in Monday's 4-3 loss to the Giants, striking out 10 while allowing one run on five hits and one walk across six innings.

Cabrera showed no signs of rust in his first MLB appearance since last September, recording double-digit strikeouts for the third time in his career and firing first-pitch strikes to 19 of the 22 batters he faced. After a lengthy rehab stint to open up 2024, Cabrera threw 91 pitches and didn't allow a single extra-base hit to the Giants. While he wasn't able to pick up the win -- something that could continue considering the Marlins' 3-14 record -- Cabrera will provide plenty of fantasy value if he maintains this form. He's lined up for another start Sunday against the Cubs.

Perez did not factor into the decision Monday against the Mets, allowing three runs on six hits and two walks over 5.2 innings. He struck out one.

Perez was pitching well again through his first five innings until being chased by three Mets hits and a walk in the sixth inning. The 33-year-old veteran has provided stability to the rotation during his first year in Pittsburgh, pitching to the tune of a 2.55 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 16:7 K:BB over 24.2 innings. Perez is scheduled to make his next start at home against the Red Sox.

Houser did not factor into the decision Monday against Pittsburgh, allowing two runs on two hits and five walks over 5.1 innings. He struck out five.

Houser struggled with his command Monday night as he yielded five free passes, matching a career-worse set three times in 2021. However, in encouraging news, he managed to regain velocity on his main pitch, the sinker. The pitch averaged 92.4 mph Monday night, in-line with his 92.5-mph average velocity in 2023. Houser is slated to face the Dodgers on the road in his next start.