Nationals shut down Cade Cavalli for two weeks with shoulder inflammation

Cade Cavalli has been shut down for two weeks after just one MLB start. The Washington Nationals placed the right-handed pitcher on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation, according to the Washington Post’s Jesse Dougherty.

Cavalli made his MLB debut Aug. 26 against the Cincinnati Reds. He hit three batters with a pitch, allowed seven runs and six hits while striking out six on 99 pitches in 4 1/3 innings.

The next day he reported discomfort while playing catch. An MRI was performed on Sunday and showed inflammation around the capsule but no structural damage.

With five weeks remaining in the season, that doesn’t give him much time for him to return. Nationals manager Dave Martinez was asked why Cavalli hasn’t been ruled out for the season, Martinez replied, “I want him to work for something, instead of thinking he’s working for spring training,” per Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports.

The Nationals selected Cavalli in the first round of the 2020 MLB draft. He worked his way to be the Nationals’ top pitching prospect before being called up last week by the Nationals.

His rough outing marred his debut. His placement on IL adds more gloom to his MLB start.

Cavalli dominated his last seven starts with Triple-A Rochester. He went 3-1 with a 1.47 ERA, 43 strikeouts and 12 walks during that span. The team didn’t want to rush him to majors, but following a Juan Soto-Josh Bell trade and a rash of injuries, the opportunity came for the club to turn to him. Unfortunately, the hysteria of Cade Cavalli is deflated momentarily.

Cavalli joins fellow Nationals’ pitching prospects Cole Henry and MacKenzie Gore on the injured list. Henry is out for the season with thoracic outlet surgery. Gore, who was acquired in the Soto trade from San Diego, has been on the injured list since July.

Now there’s a wait and see if Cavalli is able to return this season. Or will the Nationals extend his shut down until spring training?