Washington Nationals pitcher Josiah Gray throws the ball against the St. Louis Cardinals during a spring training game at the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida on March 4, 2023.
Nationals Opening Day starter Josiah Gray is out for the season and beyond with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow.
The Nationals said Gray might not require Tommy John surgery to replace the ligament, but the details of the operation won’t be known until the 26-year-old is on the operating table.
“It’s a setback. We can all admit that,” Gray said. “But it is something, you know, you can grow from, you can learn from and come back better. And in talking with all my friends around baseball, I’ve been able to just understand that it is, you know, just a blip on the radar. It’s not going to be the end of my story.”
The right-hander was placed on the injured list with elbow soreness and forearm discomfort after two starts this season. He began a rehab assignment in June but his arm issues returned, leading to an MRI that uncovered the UCL damage.
If not Tommy John surgery, Gray would have an internal brace applied to the UCL to promote healing. He wouldn’t be cleared to pitch until later this year at the earliest.
Gray was the central figure the Nationals received from the Dodgers in the 2021 trade deadline swap that sent shortstop Trea Turner and right-hander Max Scherzer to Los Angeles.
Gray has made 72 career starts and has a record of 17-27 with a 4.80 ERA.
–Field Level Media
Washington Nationals pitcher Josiah Gray has faced a major setback in his career as it has been announced that he will be out for the season and beyond due to a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow. This news comes as a blow to both Gray and the Nationals, as he was expected to be a key player for the team this season.
The Nationals have stated that Gray may not need to undergo Tommy John surgery to repair the ligament, but the full extent of the operation will not be known until he is on the operating table. Gray, who is only 26 years old, remains optimistic about his recovery and sees this setback as a learning experience that he can grow from.
After experiencing elbow soreness and forearm discomfort following two starts this season, Gray was placed on the injured list. He then began a rehab assignment in June, but unfortunately, his arm issues resurfaced, leading to an MRI that revealed the UCL damage.
If Gray does not undergo Tommy John surgery, he may receive an internal brace to help promote healing in his elbow. However, he will not be able to return to pitching until later this year at the earliest. This injury comes at a crucial time for Gray, who was traded to the Nationals from the Dodgers in 2021 and was expected to be a key player for the team.
Despite this setback, Gray remains determined to come back stronger and better than ever. He has received support from his friends in the baseball community and is confident that this injury will not be the end of his story. With 72 career starts and a record of 17-27 with a 4.80 ERA, Gray has shown his talent on the field, and Nationals fans will be eagerly awaiting his return to the mound.
In conclusion, Josiah Gray’s injury is a significant loss for the Nationals, but with determination and hard work, he will be able to overcome this setback and continue to make a name for himself in the world of baseball. We wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back on the field soon.
