Cade Cavalli's Comeback: Opening Day Start for Nationals

0:00It's March 26. You're listening to Washington Nationals News today, AI-powered coverage of your team. I'm Cory with the story. Washington Nationals pitcher Kay Kavali is set to make the opening day start against the Chicago Cubs on Thursday, March 26 at 2.20 p.m. at Rigglyfield. The 27-year-old right-hander was drafted 22nd overall in 2020 out of the University of Oklahoma and rose quickly as the team's top prospect. Every promise gave way to challenges, including a rough major league debut in 2022 and a devastating UCL tear in 2023. Spring training that required Tommy John's surgery. He missed the entire 2023 season and saw just three games in 2024 while rehabbing. Fans in the organization have watched his gritty comeback with hope as his high-velocity fastball averaging 97 mph and elite, metrics like 95th percentile chase rate kept excitement alive, despite ups and downs.

1:01In 2025 minors work, he posted a 5.35 ERA over 17 starts before late season call-up on August 6, where he, asking, finished with a 4.25 ERA in the majors. A trade of Mackenzie Gore opened the door further. Kavali sealed the spot with the perfect spring training in 2026, tossing 14 scoreless innings across four starts with a zero point, four three, whip putting him right with the nationals always envision, despite the long road back.