Cade Cavalli marked a triumphant return to Major League Baseball on August 6, 2025, delivering a confident and dominant start for the Washington Nationals after nearly three years away from the MLB mound. His performance not only ended a long injury-plagued hiatus but also offered a glimpse of the high-ceiling talent that once made him one of baseball’s most promising young pitchers.
Cavalli, the Nationals’ first-round pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, had his second career MLB start delayed by injuries, including a significant setback with Tommy John surgery that sidelined him for much of 2023 and 2024. Returning to the Nationals from Triple-A Rochester, he showcased the electric stuff that earned him a reputation early in his career. Over 4 1/3 scoreless innings against the Oakland Athletics, Cavalli recorded six strikeouts while allowing only three hits and one walk, impressively reaching 100.1 mph on his fastball and averaging 97.3 mph across 88 pitches.
“The kid, he’s got big stuff,” Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said after the game. “Fastball that hits 100 with life and movement, a curveball with great spin and depth, and a changeup that keeps hitters off balance. This young man looks like he’s ready to make some noise again.” Riley Adams, the Nationals’ catcher during the start, recalled the excitement of catching Cavalli’s velocity, stating, “After that first 100 mph fastball, I knew we were working with some serious stuff tonight.”
This start was about much more than just statistics; it was a testament to Cavalli’s resilience and dedication. Speaking after the game, Cavalli reflected on his long road back: “It means a lot. It’s been a long almost-three years now. I pictured that day a lot, and I’m just glad it was finally here and that we were able to get a win.” His teammates, including longtime friend Jake Irvin, praised his unshakable positive attitude through adversity. “He’s maintained the same can-do spirit the whole time. That’s what makes his comeback so special,” Irvin said.
Cavalli’s journey has been marked by ups and downs. Following his 2022 MLB debut, where he showed flashes of brilliance despite injury problems, he spent most of the next two seasons rehabbing, managing only a few minor league appearances in 2024. This season, he logged 17 starts in the minors with a 5.35 ERA but showed promise by striking out 79 batters in 74 innings, and his command tightened notably heading into his MLB return.
Manager Dave Martinez expressed cautious optimism after Cavalli’s outing: “He’s worked incredibly hard to get back here. Tonight was a big step forward showing that electric arm and pitching like the guy we know can be a difference maker for this team.” With the Nationals struggling this season, a rejuvenated Cavalli offers hope for a rotation that needs young talent to step up.
In sum, Cade Cavalli’s strong return start was more than just encouraging it was a statement that one of the Nationals’ brightest prospects is back and ready to impact the big league stage. If he can build on this momentum, Cavalli could become a cornerstone for Washington’s future rotation.
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