The positive news here is that Cavalli isn’t dealing with anything specific relating to his elbow as he wraps up his rehabilitation from Tommy John surgery. The 26-year-old former top pitching prospect is set to throw a pair of bullpen sessions before he makes another rehab start.

The 26-year-old had Tommy John surgery in 2023 and pitched just 8 1/3 innings last year in his return to the mound. So far this season, he has allowed three runs on six hits in 11 innings across three minor league innings while striking out nine and walking four. Cavalli had once been the top pitching prospect in the organization, and while there’s rust to shake off, he could be an asset for the Nationals in the second half of the season if he regains his previous form.

Cavalli, 26, will make his second rehab start and look to build on his four innings he threw for Single-A Fredericksburg. The right-hander will likely need a handful of rehab starts before he could be a possibility for the Washington rotation. Keep in mind he’s a former first-round selection who showed impressive upside before his injury troubles.

Cavalli struck out three and scattered three baserunners, needing 46 pitches (29 strikes) to complete four sharp frames. The 26-year-old righty is close to making it back to the majors for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery back in 2023. There isn’t a definitive date for his return, but we’re assuming he’ll be an option before the end of May.