When is Josiah Gray Coming Back? Fantasy Baseball Injury Return Update

Washington Nationals pitcher Josiah Gray entered the 2024 season following a solid year on the mound. The right-hander made his first All-Star appearance behind a 3.91 ERA and 143 strikeouts in 2023.

However, Gray has not gotten off to a great start this season. He has a 14.04 ERA through two starts and now appears to be dealing with a significant injury.

So, how hurt is Gray? When will he return? Let's dive in and find out.

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Josiah Gray Injury Update for Fantasy Baseball

There's no doubt that Gray was off to a rough start in 2024. He gave up seven earned runs across four innings in his first start on Opening Day against the Cincinnati Reds and then allowed six more earned runs in his next start against the Pittsburgh Pirates on April 4.

Despite the struggles, nothing appeared to be wrong physically with Gray. He was set to make his next start against the San Francisco Giants on April 9. However, hours before first pitch, the right-hander was scratched from his outing due to an elbow injury.

Josiah Gray has been placed on the 15-day Injured List (right elbow/forearm flexor strain).

Joan Adon has been recalled from Triple-A Rochester.
→ https://t.co/F2fcglx6Yu

— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) April 9, 2024

Immediately following the announcement that he wouldn't start, the Nationals placed Gray on the 15-day injured list with a right elbow/forearm flexor strain. Considering the team placed the young pitcher on the IL very quickly, there is some concern with his availability over the next few weeks.

Josiah Gray Fantasy Baseball Outlook

There hasn't been an official timeline set for Gray's return, but the expectation is that he will miss a couple of starts while he rehabs from his elbow injury. The right-hander will likely be shut down from throwing until the pain from his elbow/forearm goes away.

For the time being, though, if you roster Gray in fantasy, you can place him in one of your IL slots. If you don't have any available IL spots, then the 26-year-old is a fine drop in most 10- to 12-team leagues. He was already off to a rough start and hadn't shown any growth on the mound in his first two starts.

Josiah Gray says his strain is muscular. He is hopeful that with rest and rehab, the injury won’t keep him out too long.

He felt off after his outing against the Pirates, tried throwing a bullpen and still didn’t feel like himself before he got an MRI.

— Andrew Golden (@andrewcgolden) April 9, 2024

In deeper formats, though, it is probably best to keep him in one of your IL slots. His first start last season -- five earned runs allowed across five innings -- wasn't great, either. However, he bounced back by delivering five quality starts over his next eight starts. The potential is surely there, so he likely shouldn't be dropped in 14-plus team leagues.

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