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Washington Nationals right-hander Josiah Gray is moving into the next phase of his comeback after being cleared to begin a minor league rehab assignment with Single-A Fredericksburg.
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The development was reported on X by Spencer Nusbaum of The Athletic and gives Gray his first opportunity to face hitters in a competitive setting since September 2025. It is another important checkpoint after a series of setbacks slowed his return.
Gray underwent Tommy John surgery with an internal brace procedure in July 2024 after an elbow and forearm flexor injury. He missed the entire 2025 major league season but made three rehab appearances that September, throwing 5.2 scoreless innings with five strikeouts.
Josiah Gray will pitch for Single-A Fredericksburg today, I’m told, marking his first in-game action since Sept. 19 of last year.
It’s been a long road back, and very encouraging to see this in mid-August. https://t.co/j1r78BEgyp
— Spencer Nusbaum (@spencernusbaum_) August 18, 2026
The Nationals placed Gray on the 60-day injured list in March after he suffered another right flexor strain during spring training. Before that setback, he had returned to a major league mound in March for the first time since April 2024.
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Gray’s return carries added significance because of what he showed before his injury troubles. He earned his first All-Star selection in 2023 after posting a 3.91 ERA over 30 starts, giving Washington a proven rotation arm to build around.
The Nationals can now evaluate Gray’s health and stuff against live hitters while gradually increasing his workload. A successful rehab assignment could put him in position for a September opportunity, although the club has reason to remain cautious after the setbacks that have interrupted his recovery.
For Washington, the immediate goal is not simply getting Gray back on the mound. It is determining whether the 28-year-old can complete the final stages of his recovery without another interruption and eventually regain the form that made him one of the organization’s most important young starters.
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This story was originally published August 18, 2026 at 9:58 AM.