DENVER, CO—The Nationals arrived in Colorado with a depleted roster. Eleven players are currently on the injured list, including four who have been sidelined since Opening Day. However, the team is finally nearing a turning point, with several key players progressing toward a return.

CJ Abrams and Michael Soroka Nearing Returns

Shortstop CJ Abrams, who has been out since April 12 with a right hip flexor strain, has remained with the club during this road trip, continuing his rehab alongside teammates. Abrams has resumed hitting and fielding ground balls, though a few rehab steps remain. He is eligible to be activated from the 10-day IL for Tuesday’s homestand opener against the Orioles, and there’s optimism he could be ready for that series. Manager Davey Martinez noted, “He’s swinging the bat, he’s hitting. There’s still a couple more checkpoints… as far as his fielding stuff going laterally. But once we get him through that, we’ll see where we’re at when we get back home.” The Nationals have dropped five of six games since Abrams went on the IL.

Pitcher Michael Soroka, sidelined by a biceps strain since his March 31 season debut, has stayed with the team. Soroka threw 37 pitches in a simulated game Wednesday in Pittsburgh and reported feeling good afterward. Martinez indicated that Soroka was scheduled for a bullpen session at Coors Field before today’s game. If all goes well, Soroka could make a rehab start with a minor league affiliate as soon as Tuesday.

Reliever Orlando Ribalta, dealing with a biceps strain, has not yet been cleared to throw and is unlikely to return from the 15-day IL when first eligible.

Cade Cavalli Begins Rehab Assignment

The most encouraging update involves Cade Cavalli, who is starting a minor league rehab assignment tonight for Single-A Fredericksburg in Fayetteville, N.C. This marks Cavalli’s first competitive appearance since June 21, 2024, after his Tommy John rehab was paused last year. He has been healthy since spring training, but the Nationals opted to delay his season start, mindful of a strict innings limit after two years away from game action. Cavalli stayed in West Palm Beach to build his arm strength and is now set to gradually increase his workload. He can spend up to 30 days on a rehab assignment, after which he may be optioned to Triple-A Rochester to further develop his routine and prove his durability.

Jorge López Suspension Reduced

Reliever Jorge López had his three-game suspension, stemming from his ejection in Pittsburgh after hitting Bryan Reynolds and throwing a pitch over Andrew McCutchen’s head, reduced to two games on appeal. López will serve his suspension during today’s game and the first game of Sunday’s doubleheader, making him eligible to return for the nightcap.