Bixby native, former Sooner Cade Cavalli returns to Nationals' rotation after 2-year injury absence

Bixby, Oklahoma native and former first-round pick Cade Cavalli will return to a Major League mound Wednesday night for the first time since his debut in 2022, as the Washington Nationals recalled the right-hander from Triple-A Rochester.

The move, announced by interim GM Mike DeBartolo, comes as Cavalli is set to start against the Oakland Athletics at Nationals Park.

Cavalli, 26, was selected 22nd overall in the 2020 MLB Draft out of the University of Oklahoma, but his road back has been anything but easy. He underwent Tommy John surgery in the spring of 2023 after suffering a torn UCL during a spring training start. Wednesday will mark his first MLB appearance since Aug. 26, 2022, when he struck out six over 4.1 innings against the Reds in his debut.

"The day I tore my arm, I remember telling people, I'm going to come back bigger, better, stronger, as fast and as efficient as possible," Cavalli said. "That was what was on my head the entire time."

Oklahoma Roots and Bixby Brilliance

Before becoming a top MLB pitching prospect, Cade Cavalli was a two-way star at Bixby High School. He was a four-year varsity player, standout hitter, and dominant right-handed pitcher until a back injury cut short most of his senior season. Despite that setback, he earned major accolades:

1. Tulsa World All-Metro First Team (2016)
2. .416 batting average as a junior
3. Perfect Game Underclass All-American
4. Holds Bixby records for doubles and extra-base hits in a single season
5. Ranked No. 5 overall prospect in Oklahoma for the 2017 MLB Draft by Baseball America
6. Drafted in the 29th round by the Atlanta Braves in 2017 (860th overall)
7. Four-time Academic All-Conference honoree

Cavalli’s Comeback Journey

Before his surgery, Cavalli was on a rapid rise. He led all of Minor League Baseball in strikeouts in 2021 (175), was twice named the Nationals Minor League Pitcher of the Year, and earned selections to the Futures Game in both 2021 and 2022.

His return in 2024 has been a test of endurance both mental and physical. He made 17 starts in Triple-A, going 4–7 with a 5.35 ERA and 79 strikeouts in 74.0 innings. However, he’s shown signs of dominance recently, with 25 strikeouts and just 6 walks over his last four starts (20.1 IP), including no walks in his last two outings.

"The physical part, it's really easy to take care of... but mentally, there were some days where it sucked," Cavalli said. "I love competing. I love being around the boys in the locker room. I love going out there, trying to win a ball game. Those are the things I really missed."

"You get what you accept. I wasn’t going to ever let myself skip a rep," he added.

LeCroy: “He’s Right Where He Needs to Be”

Rochester manager Matthew LeCroy praised Cavalli’s maturity during the long rehab process.

"When I got Cade, he was a young kid with high expectations. Now he’s more mature, with a more intense focus. His preparation, his work, his bullpen sessions he’s right where he needs to be."

Cavalli echoed that sentiment:

"After two years of absence, you’ve got to celebrate your small wins. My first rehab game felt like I was making my big league debut again. I’m healthy, I’m ready to rock."

Cavalli By the Numbers (2024 – Triple-A Rochester)

1. Record: 4–7
2. ERA: 5.35
3. Strikeouts: 79
4. Innings Pitched: 74.0
5. Last 4 Starts: 25 K / 6 BB / 20.1 IP
6. Last 2 Starts: 10.0 IP, 0 BB

With the Nationals recently trading Michael Soroka to the Cubs, a spot in the big-league rotation is now open and Cavalli will get his shot to seize it. His return comes against a dangerous A’s offense but the hometown crowd will be watching closely as a Bixby Spartan makes his long-awaited return.

"It takes grit," Cavalli said. "And I’m just thankful to be doing what I love again."