Nats to utilize 6-Man rotation as Trevor Williams will be activated from the 60-Day IL

When the spring season began, it was unsure who the #5 starter would be in the Nationals’ rotation. With the addition of Zach Davies, RHPs Joan Adon, Thad Ward, Trevor Williams, as well as LHP DJ Herz and Mitchell Parker having an opportunity to break Spring Training with the 26-man roster. Fast forward to the end of spring, and Trevor Williams was that guy. Williams joined the team last season on a 2-year deal and had about the kind of season that everyone expected from him. In 30 starts, Williams pitched to a 5.55 ERA over 144.1 innings, striking out 111 and walking 53. Williams was a good 5th starter option. 

However, in 2024, Williams broke out as a surprise ace in the rotation. In 11 starts, Williams would pitch to a 2.22 ERA, striking out 47 batters over 56.1 innings. Williams also held a 5-0 record. Williams was poised as an early favorite to be moved for prospects at the deadline. But unfortunately for him and the Nats, Williams went to the 15-day injured list with a right flexor strain, and a few weeks later, Williams was transferred to the 60-day injured list. 

Fast forward to today, Williams has been activated and will start tonight against the Cubs. Williams hasn’t pitched in an MLB game since June 4th, when he went down with the injury. Davey Martinez has announced that the team will use a 6-man rotation to close out the season, which would give Williams 2 more starts with Washington before hitting the free agent market. Williams being activated is big not only for himself, but for the young starters who have been going every 5th day for the Nats. Herz and Parker are in their first seasons and likely nearing an innings limit shortly, while Jake Irvin and Mackenzie Gore have both set their career-highs in innings pitched. Williams coming back also gives teams a final look at the veteran before he hits the free agent market, however, I believe (and kind of hope) that Williams is brought back next season.  

With Josiah Gray and Cade Cavalli likely beginning the 2025 season on the injured list, it opens a spot in the rotation or bullpen for the veteran starter. Williams has been used as a starter since coming to DC, but also has bullpen experience elsewhere, and could be a great addition to the bullpen in 2025 if the Nats decided to bring him back. At the very minimum, Williams is at least a better option than Joan Adon, although with the abundance of arms currently in the organization that will be clamoring for opportunities within the Nationals rotation, if Williams is brought back there is obviously no guarantee he will even make the rotation.

Guys like Jackson Rutledge, Brad Lord, and others, are running out of time to prove themselves at the lower level before needing an opportunity to prove they can pitch consistently at the big league level. Whether the Nats go out and acquire a big-time veteran starter or bring back Williams remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: there will be new additions made to the rotation before next season.