Washington managed just one run against New York as its bullpen allowed six runs in a decisive 7th inning, closing out the home portion of a lost season.

The trade-deadline pickup, activated off the 60-day IL, allowed just one hit and struck out one in his first Nationals appearance.

The 18-year-old, the No. 1 overall pick in 2025, hit .265 with 14 homers and 63 stolen bases across three levels this season and is now Washington's top prospect and MLB's No. 4 overall.

Nasim Nunez led the club with 32 steals and CJ Abrams added 14 as team speed proved a bright spot down the stretch.

Cavalli, who signed a four-year, $47 million extension with Washington earlier this month, was shut down effective Sept. 22 as a health-precaution, workload-management move rather than for an injury. He finishes the season 13-5 with a 3.02 ERA and 200 strikeouts over 169⅔ innings, the first Nationals pitcher to reach 200 strikeouts in over five years.

Washington's Triple-A affiliate was routed 15-4 by Memphis in Game 2, evening the series 1-1 after taking Game 1. A deciding Game 3 was scheduled for that evening in Memphis.

Washington beat Detroit 4-2 to take the series, with Nasim Nuñez's two stolen bases setting the franchise's single-season record at 49. The club recalled right-hander Gus Varland from Triple-A Rochester after he posted a 2.76 ERA there.

Abrams' solo homer in the 2nd inning was his 100th RBI of the season; his go-ahead two-run shot in the 7th was his 33rd homer, confirming a 30-homer/30-steal season for Washington's shortstop. The Nationals won 3-1; Jackson Kent picked up the win in relief.

Herz, 23, made his first MLB appearance since Sept. 25, 2024 following Tommy John surgery, posting a 3.16 ERA over 10 rehab games. Cole Henry requested his unconditional release the same day; Jared Simpson was optioned to Triple-A Rochester.

released 9/21 to clear spot for Herz activation; Henry 7.90 ERA/1.756 WHIP in 11 MLB games 2026, 6.43 ERA AAA; 2025 rookie yr 4.27 ERA/52:32 K:BB/2 saves in 52.2 IP before injuries; now FA, Rochester reunion possible. Matches/explains spine fact (Henry released 9/21).

activated from 60-day IL, started 9/21 vs DET, first MLB action since 9/25/2024; 2024 line 4-9/4.16 ERA/106K:36BB in 88.2IP; comes same week as Gray activation + Cavalli extension

4yr 2027-2030 + 2031 club option (~$70M w/ option, ~$23M option yr); buys out arb years + 1-2 FA years; entering signing 194:48 K:BB/164.2IP/3.12 ERA; first extension of Toboni/Butera era; Wood/Abrams/Lile floated as next targets

reinstated, Pinckney optioned corresponding move; TJ surgery July 2024, flexor strain spring 2026; plan is low-leverage bullpen role rest of 2026; 2023 All-Star, came in Turner/Scherzer-era Dodgers trade w/ Ruiz

Herz returns to a big-league mound for the first time since September 2024 after Tommy John surgery and a subsequent flexor strain; Jared Simpson was optioned to Rochester to clear his spot.

St. Louis scored three runs in the eighth to close out the season series at Busch Stadium.