Trevor Williams has been diagnosed with a partial tear of his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow. He will undergo surgery that is expected to sideline him until at least early next season, with the possibility of missing most or all of 2026. Williams is scheduled for an internal brace procedure, a less-invasive alternative to Tommy John surgery, which could allow for a return in about nine months. However, if more extensive damage is found during surgery, a full Tommy John procedure may be necessary, potentially extending his absence through 2026.

Williams, who was placed on the 15-day injured list on July 4 and transferred to the 60-day IL on July 8, struggled this season with a 3-10 record and a 6.21 ERA over 17 starts. He had previously signed a two-year, $14 million contract after a strong but injury-shortened 2024 campaign. The Nationals have filled his rotation spot with Shinnosuke Ogasawara, who is expected to make another start this weekend as the team evaluates its options.

Here are a couple of more injury updates:

Keibert Ruiz is back on the Concussion IL, as we reported on Sunday afternoon.

Keibert Ruiz was placed back on the 7-day concussion injured list on July 8, raising concerns about his short- and long-term health. Ruiz had just returned from a previous concussion IL stint before taking another foul ball off his mask. The Nationals are prioritizing his recovery and will ensure he is fully healthy before any return.

Derek Law Receives Encouraging MRI Results.

Derek Law underwent an MRI on his elbow, which showed no structural damage. Law has experienced recurring elbow discomfort during his rehab assignments but is expected to attempt another comeback soon, now reassured by the MRI results.

Other Notable Updates:

These injuries come as a significant blow to a Nationals team already dealing with rotation instability and a struggling pitching staff.

Miguel Cairo earned his first win as the Washington Nationals’ interim manager in an 8-2 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals by making strategic lineup adjustments and fostering team engagement. Departing slightly from the previous manager, Davey Martinez’s approach, Cairo inserted right-handed hitters Amed Rosario and Alex Call into the lineup to exploit Cardinals starter Andre Pallante’s unusual reverse splits, while also ensuring bench players remained active and involved. This tactical move paid off early, as the Nationals jumped to a quick lead thanks to a three-run homer by first baseman Nathaniel Lowe in the very first inning. Lowe’s timely power continues to be a key offensive asset despite a modest overall OPS.

The Nationals extended their lead with a productive rally in the fourth inning, featuring contributions from the lower part of the order, including doubles by Josh Bell and Call and singles from Lowe, Brady House, and Jacob Young. Rosario’s towering 434-foot homer and James Wood’s thunderous 115.9 mph exit velocity home run later in the game further cemented the team’s dominance. Meanwhile, MacKenzie Gore, the Nationals’ All-Star left-hander, delivered a commanding performance on the mound, allowing just one run over six efficient innings while striking out seven and keeping the Cardinals’ hitters off balance with weak contact. Gore’s strong outing was bolstered by the rare offensive support that has eluded him at times this season.

Cairo emphasized the importance of scoring early and keeping the entire roster engaged, noting the team’s strong record when they score in the first inning. He also dedicated the win to Davey Martinez, recognizing the foundation Martinez built with the players and coaching staff. The victory not only snapped a losing streak but also showcased Cairo’s ability to adapt and motivate the team, blending strategic lineup choices with a collective effort on both offense and defense. This promising start to Cairo’s tenure as interim manager highlights his thoughtful leadership and the Nationals’ potential moving forward.

Up next: Tonight, the Nationals will conclude their three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals with the first pitch at 7:45 p.m. EDT. The Nationals will send right-handed pitcher Michael Soroka, who has a 3-6 record and an ERA of 5.40. Additionally, they will face right-handed pitcher Miles Mikoles, who has a 4-6 record with an ERA of 5.26.

For years, Washington Nationals’ fans have debated whether the Lerner family’s reluctance to spend big in free agency was holding the franchise back. But as the dust settles on another disappointing season, it’s clear that the club’s most pressing issue isn’t a lack of payroll—it’s a lack of progress. The Nationals have finally solved their long-standing revenue problems, but unless they overhaul their approach to player development, no amount of new money will restore the team to contention.

Calls for the Lerners to open their wallets and chase marquee free agents have grown louder with each losing season. Yet, pouring money into a roster that isn’t ready would have been a temporary fix at best. The Nationals’ most successful eras were built on the backs of homegrown stars, not high-priced signings. With the current core still unproven and the supporting cast thin, restraint was not just prudent—it was necessary.

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