Nationals' Cade Cavalli is missing bats like never before

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The Washington Nationals are finally getting the dividend on Cade Cavalli, whom they picked in the first round of the 2020 MLB draft. Over the last two months, the right-hander has delivered on the expectations that were long awaited.

In his last six starts, Cavalli has posted a 3-0 record with a 2.43 ERA, striking out 45 batters in 33.1 innings. That's an eye-popping strikeout rate of more than 12 batters per nine innings.

Since May 10, Cavalli has struck out 79 batters while issuing just 15 walks across 70 innings. In his latest start against the Colorado Rockies, he tossed six scoreless innings, allowing four hits and two walks while striking out eight.

Cavalli's best start of the season came against the Boston Red Sox on June 30, when he pitched seven innings with a career-high 13 strikeouts and allowed just one hit in an 8-1 victory.

Cavalli missed nearly two full seasons of baseball because of Tommy John surgery in 2023. He has since walked his way back to the majors, flashing the pitching arsenal that made him a top prospect in the first place.

MORE: MLB analyst has big expectations for Nationals' Cade Cavalli in 2026

Cade Cavalli creates Nationals history in Coors Field

For some reason, the Nationals pitchers haven't found it easy to ace Coors Field. On Tuesday, Cavalli's six scoreless innings made him only the third pitcher in the club's history to dictate terms in Colorado. According to MLB.com, Tony Armas (Aug. 13, 2005) and Pedro Martinez (July 29, 1997) were the previous two pitchers to do so.

It was an important win for the Nationals and Cavalli answered the call for them. Everything worked well, said the right-hander.

“Coming in, I knew that the shapes on pitches were going to be a little bit different because of the air,” Cavalli said. “But we needed a big win today, and our defense played great. Bats came alive, as always, and I was just glad that I was able to keep us in the game.”

With the trade deadline approaching, the Nationals players are feeling insecure. The latest win should ensure some comfort as the front office will have to decide whether, from here, the team can reach the postseason.