Gray strong in fourth rehab start with Rochester (updated)

SAN DIEGO – While the Nationals prepared for their second game against the Padres here in San Diego, they were also keeping an eye on a minor league game in Rochester, N.Y.

Josiah Gray made his fourth rehab start with Triple-A Rochester while nearing the end of his comeback from a right elbow/forearm flexor strain. And he had excellent results.

The right-hander completed six shutout innings with four hits, one run, no walks and four strikeouts on 73 pitches, 44 strikes. He'll probably throw more in the bullpen to get up to the targeted 90 pitches.

Gray has now completed three, four, five and six innings in his four rehab starts.

Nationals manager Davey Martinez, of course, didn’t have an update on Gray before the Nats’ game as he held his pregame media session as Rochester’s game was just getting started. But surely he will be happy with these results when we talk to him again after the game here.

“I haven't looked at it,” Martinez said. “I was waiting to do the media so I could follow up with what's going on. I'll let you know after the game. But like I said, I'm hoping he continues to build and get ready.”

The Nationals do not need to rush Gray back, but they sure would like for him to rejoin the rotation soon. He could make another start or two in the minor leagues with his 30-day rehab window open until July 9. That would be to continue to build up his arm strength so he doesn’t have limitations when he comes back to the majors.

But if they decide Gray is ready now, they could use Thursday’s off-day to slide him back into the rotation. As they did earlier this season, they could use the off-day to skip over Patrick Corbin’s spot and have Gray meet the team in Tampa Bay to start on Sunday against the Rays. But with Corbin pitching well recently, they could have Gray instead take the spot that belongs to DJ Herz, who starts tomorrow’s finale against the Padres and can easily be optioned back down to the minors. That would line him up to meet the team back in D.C. and start the opener against the Mets on Monday.

As has been the case throughout this process for Gray – and really any rehabbing injured player, especially a pitcher – the Nationals will look to see how he feels physically tomorrow. How his body responds and recovers to the increased workload will be key in determining his readiness. So a plan for his next steps might not be known until tomorrow or even Friday in Tampa Bay.

Nevertheless, the results today were encouraging, meaning the Nats will have a decision to make soon. They’ll also have options with how to make it.

Update: Rochester manager Matt LeCroy told reporters he expects Josiah Gray will pitch again for the Red Wings on Sunday, although he noted that the Nationals could change their mind. A plan for Gray might not be known until tomorrow or Friday.