Nationals send former All-Star Gray, outfielder Hassell to Triple-A

The Washington Nationals’ opening day roster is taking shape as spring training winds down. The franchise sent pitchers Josiah Gray and Julian Fernandez to Triple-A Rochester on Thursday, along with outfielder Robert Hassell III.

Gray is a former All-Star who has only made two starts since 2024. He required Tommy John surgery following a UCL tear and spent the entirety of the 2025 campaign rehabbing the injury. He has a career 4.84 ERA across 74 appearances.

Fernandez, 30, recorded his first major league win with the Nationals last season after Washington claimed him off waivers. 

Hassell found himself on the outside of a crowded young outfield during spring training. The former first-round pick recorded three home runs and a .223 average after making his MLB debut last season.

Rising stars James Wood and Dylan Crews are expected to anchor the corner outfield positions throughout the season for Washington. The center field role will likely feature Jacob Young and Daylen Lile. 

The Nationals wrap up the Florida-based portion of spring training. They’ll then face the Orioles in exhibition games in Baltimore and Washington on Sunday and Monday. Washington opens the regular season in Chicago against the Cubs on March 26.