My thoughts on the Washington Nationals shutting down Cade Cavalli

Even though the fight to avoid last place this weekend is something to watch, there is not a ton to play for this season. We all know Cavalli's injury history, so I understand proceeding with caution. He has thrown way more innings than he ever has before in 2026.

This season Cavalli has thrown 169.2 innings. That is a major leap from the 122.2 innings he threw last year. Cavalli's career high before this season was the 123.1 inning he threw all the way back in 2021. The logic behind this decision is quite clear, but it is still a bummer.

I know that I wanted to see Cavalli take the ball one more time at Nationals Park. Even if he only threw 4 or 5 innings, I would have loved to see him take the ball. It would have sent a nice message to Nats fans that want to see their newly extended pitcher in action one more time.