Nationals Option Josiah Gray, Robert Hassell III as Opening Day Roster Takes Shape

The club prioritizes Gray’s post-surgery buildup, underscoring a development-first approach.

Overview

The Nationals optioned Josiah Gray, Robert Hassell III and Julian Fernández to Triple-A Rochester and reassigned Zach Penrod to minor-league camp.
Gray, an All-Star in 2023 returning from UCL surgery, will continue building innings at Rochester after two spring outings totaling 4 2/3 innings with five strikeouts.
Gray’s assignment positions Jake Irvin as the likely fifth starter, with Cade Cavalli lined up for Opening Day against the Cubs and Miles Mikolas, Foster Griffin and Zack Littell expected in the rotation.
Hassell returns to Triple-A following limited offensive production this spring and earlier MLB struggles, with outfield spots held by James Wood, Jacob Young and Daylen Lile increasing competition.
Coverage indicates both Gray and Hassell are viewed as depth options expected to receive major-league opportunities later this season depending on performance and roster needs.