Nationals' Cavalli to undergo Tommy John surgery

Washington Nationals right-hander Cade Cavalli has a Grade 3 sprain of his ulnar collateral ligament and will undergo Tommy John surgery, the team announced.

The Nationals' top pitching prospect exited a spring training game on Tuesday after manager Dave Martinez said the pitcher "felt something behind his throwing elbow," according to The Washington Post's Andrew Golden.

Cavalli, 24, was expected to get his first extended look in the starting rotation for the rebuilding Nationals. He debuted in the majors last season after a solid Triple-A campaign, where he logged a 3.71 ERA and 9.6 K/9 in 20 starts.

Washington selected the Oklahoma native with the 22nd pick in the 2020 draft.