Reporters Notebook from West Palm Beach (Spring Training Day #3)
The latest headlines, news and analysis from Washington Nationals Spring Training in West Palm Beach.
In today's reporter's notebook, I am going to be focusing on two pitchers and their injuries and recovery.
Weather in West Palm Beach, FL: As the DMV prepares for an approaching snowstorm tonight and into tomorrow morning, it appears that the weather in West Palm Beach, Florida is also unfavorable.
According to AccuWeather.com, the forecast for tomorrow indicates showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon, extending through late Sunday night.
RHP Mason Thompson was sidelined for two weeks by an elbow issue
This story has made waves across various Nationals web platforms, and its significance prompts us to delve deeper into today's Spring Training Reporter's Notebook.
Manager Dave Martinez disclosed that right-handed pitcher Mason Thompson encountered elbow discomfort during an offseason bullpen session earlier this month. Unfortunately, this discomfort persisted for several days after the bullpen session, prompting the Nationals to exercise caution with the promising right-hander. Consequently, they made the decision to sideline Thompson for at least two weeks out of concern for his well-being, given his history of undergoing Tommy John surgery in high school.
In shedding light on the situation, Mason Thompson opened up about the challenges he's facing, stating, "I've had Tommy John before, so the feeling wasn't new… I don't necessarily know if that's where it's headed, but I do know that it's felt a bit more than just your usual soreness… Mentally, it's hard."
The mental toll of dealing with potential setbacks is not lost on Thompson, who expressed his frustration about the timing of the injury. "You work all offseason to get here, and then right before you get here, you get shut down again. So that part's frustrating. Last year didn't exactly go the way I wanted it to, so not getting the opportunity to showcase the work I put in this offseason is frustrating," he explained.
Despite the challenges, Thompson maintains an optimistic outlook, stating, "But I'm optimistic about getting through this, whatever that looks like at this point."
The Nationals' cautious approach reflects their commitment to the well-being of their players, particularly considering Thompson's history with a significant arm injury. As the situation unfolds, the team and fans alike will anxiously await updates on Thompson's recovery and hope to see him back on the field showcasing the hard work he has put in during the offseason.
Should Cade Cavalli be placed on a pitch limit?
As the Washington Nationals' first-round pick in 2020 continues to recover from Tommy John surgery, it appears that Cade Cavalli has initiated bullpen sessions during this past week of Spring Training. According to reports from West Palm, the Nationals are targeting a June return for Cavalli. However, based on videos posted by Spencer Nusbaum of the Washington Post [X link], Cavalli looks promising while throwing off the mound, and all indications suggest he is eagerly anticipating his return to the team in June. “
“I think he’s on track,” stated general manager Mike Rizzo in a press conference this past week during Spring Training. “His progression has been great. He’s a diligent worker and a really good patient. He follows the protocol to the letter, and our guys always know they might need to rein him in a little bit. He pushes himself to the edge, and we pull him back a little bit. That’s the approach we want from our players.”
Once Cavalli regains full strength and rejoins the team, it is highly likely that he will be subject to innings and pitch limits, consistent with the standard practice for pitchers recovering from Tommy John surgery. Additionally, there is no urgency for his return, given that the Nationals are not expected to be in playoff contention for a while. Therefore, the team should adopt a long-term perspective on Cavalli's recovery.
“I can’t just go out and throw as hard as I can right now,” he said in a media session with reporters during Spring Training. “I have to control the intensity. That requires a ton of patience. Because you’ll be feeling normal. I feel like I could rip this pitch right now. It’s just not smart. It requires patience, and that’s been a big learning thing for me.”
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