ATLANTA, GA (Sept. 22, 2025) - The Washington Nationals announced Monday that pitcher Josiah Gray will not return for the remainder of the regular season, shutting him down as he continues his recovery from elbow surgery. The 27-year-old right-hander, who earned an All-Star selection earlier this year, will instead focus on offseason training to prepare for the 2026 campaign.
Gray underwent Tommy John surgery and has spent the past several months on a rehab assignment. He advanced from throwing sessions on flat ground to making multiple appearances with Triple-A Rochester, showing steady progress in his return to game action.
In three rehab starts across three levels of the minor leagues, Gray allowed no runs over 6 ⅔ innings, surrendering four hits with five walks and five strikeouts. In his final outing Friday night for Triple-A Rochester, he tossed 45 pitches over 2 ⅔ scoreless and hitless innings, walking three and striking out two.
With the minor league season now over, the organization determined it was best for Gray to continue his rehab program at the Nationals’ training facility in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Interim manager Miguel Cairo told reporters the decision was based on long-term health and encouraged by Gray’s recent strides in his recovery. “He did his rehab, he was in good spirits, and he’s healthy,” Cairo said. “Now we want him to go home, recharge, and get ready for next season.”
Cairo added that the Nationals expect Gray to benefit from having a full winter of preparation, allowing him to rebuild strength and enter spring training ready to compete for a rotation spot. “I think it was more being healthy,” Cairo said. “It’s tough doing rehab and you’re going through that injury. Now it’s just make sure you have a good offseason workout. Get strong. Have a normal offseason to come ready for spring training.”