Wednesday, July 30

Welcome to the latest edition of the Nationals Beat newsletter. This is your stop for the latest on and off the field, from news to exclusive player interviews and insights, brought to you by MLB.com club reporter Jessica Camerato.

WASHINGTON -- Josiah Gray’s daily routine has been following a meticulously mapped out rehab program as he recovers from Tommy John surgery at the Nationals training complex in West Palm Beach, Fla.

This weekend, he brought his throwing regimen to Nationals Park. Gray, the Nationals Youth Baseball Academy Player Ambassador, wouldn’t miss delivering the keynote speech at the Academy’s graduation ceremony on Saturday morning, prior to Washington's 5-0 loss to Texas.

“Definitely [have] important matters with the Nationals Youth Academy graduation,” Gray said on Friday. “But I’m throwing a bullpen tomorrow, so I’m looking forward to getting ready for that as well. I think it's a lot of important things this week, but also, [you’ve] got to stay on schedule and stay locked in with my work as well.”

Gray, 27, underwent Tommy John surgery and an internal brace procedure on July 24, 2024. He is in his third week of throwing two bullpens a week. Gray has progressed to 30 pitches per session, starting with his fastball and moving next to fastball, curveball.

“Obviously, you always look at the 12-month mark being the first time you face hitters around then,” Gray said. “So being a month, a month and a half away from that, I obviously felt like I'd be right here and in a good spot, throwing bullpens. Just looking forward to each day. That's what we're going to do -- we're going to keep plugging away and just stacking days.”

Gray said on Friday he feels “great,” and he wants to be “110 percent” when he returns to the mound. It is a goal for him to pitch this season, having earned an All-Star selection in 2023 but being limited to 8 1/3 innings last year.

“Being able to come up here and do whatever I can for this team this year in 2025 would be a blessing,” said Gray. “Obviously, controlling what I can control and how I'm feeling each day, but being able to get back up here and help us win some games down the stretch would be awesome. And that's what I'm looking forward to doing. We’ve just got to keep building up the days ‘til we get to that point and have some decisions be made.”

Manager Dave Martinez has received positive feedback from the Nationals' staff at the training complex. Gray is rehabbing with fellow pitchers DJ Herz (Tommy John), Shinnosuke Ogasawara (oblique) and Mason Thompson (Tommy John).

“The ball is coming out well, and he’s well on his way,” said Martinez. “... I was excited to see him today. He’s been awesome. All of the reports have been great. He works his butt off every day. He’s itching to come back. But this is the time now where you’re starting to get closer, you’re starting to see the light, but you’ve got to understand that there’s still a process with this Tommy John surgery.”

Gray’s locker space was busy on Friday when he returned to Nationals Park. Teammates he had played with in Spring Training and over multiple seasons alike gathered around to check in with the affable right-hander.

“It's always good to see the guys and be around them for a little bit,” said Gray. “It's only a three-day trip right now, but just to see everyone, catch up for the short moments that we have together is always a good time, and just to feel [like] part of the team again is always a blessing. So I'm looking forward to these three days and just thinking about the next time I'll be back up here.”

In this latest video Q&A, get to know Nationals reliever Zach Brzykcy. He talked about this season, his first ever trip to the West Coast and his pals in the Nats' bullpen. Also, find out if Brzykcy has any tips to spell or say his last name.

The Nats welcomed southpaw Patrick Corbin back to Nationals Park this weekend as a starter for the Rangers. Corbin, a key member of the 2019 World Series team, pitched for Washington from 2019-24. 

Corbin displayed his durability on Friday when he threw a two-run, eight-inning complete game. On Saturday, he was honored by the Nationals with a tribute video. 

“I pitched here for six years,” Corbin said in this article by Rangers club reporter Kennedi Landry. “I've had a lot of games here. I know a lot of people over there, still have relationships with those guys. I wish nothing but the best for those guys, except when we play them.” 

The first phase of voting for the 2025 MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard opened this week, and fans can vote up to five times a day through June 26, 2025 at noon ET. 

This round of voting is for position players. The Nationals have catcher Keibert Ruiz, first baseman Nathaniel Lowe, second baseman Luis García Jr., third baseman Amed Rosario, shortstop CJ Abrams, designated hitter Josh Bell and outfielders James Wood, Dylan Crews and Jacob Young on the ballot. 

• VOTE NOW: 2025 PRO SPIRIT MLB All-Star Ballot

Check out every team’s most deserving All-Star around the league. 

• Sunday: Team UP Day -- recognizing more than 30 youth leagues in DMV; kids Mr. Potato Head giveaway (ages 12 and younger); Old Dominion University Day; Signature Sunday; Kids Run the Bases (postgame)

• Friday, June 13: Nats Postgame Summer Concert Series: Nelly; Branch Appreciation Day -- U.S. Army

• Saturday, June 14: Pups in the Park; Florida State University Day

• Sunday, June 15: NATS20 Hawaiian Shirt (first 20,000 fans ages 21-plus) 

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