WASHINGTON – Fans rose to their feet to welcome Josiah Gray back to the mound at Nationals Park for the first time since April 4, 2024. That year, Gray was the Nationals’ Opening Day starter. On Friday, he was pitching the ninth inning out of the bullpen. Gray missed three years due to pitching-related injuries. His road back before the end of the season: as a reliever. Gray made his long-awaited 2026 debut last Friday in St. Louis. He pitched again in Detroit on Tuesday. Gray was scoreless in both outings. With a one-run lead against the Mets, the Nats gave the ball to Gray to face their No. 9 hitter and then the top of the order. Just a casual matchup against Francisco Lindor and old friend Juan Soto. Gray got Christopher Morel to fly out to shortstop for the first out. He dealt three consecutive pitches slower than 84 mph to Lindor – all for swinging strikes. Catcher Keibert Ruiz made a mound visit so the pair could strategize like they had so many times before. Gray walked Soto on a 3-1 count. Next up: Bo Bichette. Gray got ahead 1-2. The crowd once again stood up captivated. Bichette softly grounded the ball to Gray, who cleanly fielded it and threw to first for the final out of the Nats’ 7-6 victory. Gray exclaimed in excitement as celebratory fireworks were set off.
