Nationals Activate MacKenzie Gore From Injured List Ahead Thursday Start

The Washington Nationals will activate left-handed pitcher MacKenzie Gore from the 15-day injured list to start against the Miami Marlins on Thursday. Gore has been sidelined due to left shoulder inflammation since late August and has not faced live hitters or made a rehab start during his recovery, which suggests he may have a limited pitch count in his return. Interim manager Miguel Cairo confirmed Gore cleared all recovery hurdles and is ready to pitch, with plans for him to make at least two or three more starts this season as preparation for 2026. Prior to his injury, Gore had a 5-13 record with a 4.15 ERA in 147.1 innings, and despite the Nationals' recent organizational changes and trade rumors involving him, he remains a key building block for the franchise's future. The Nationals have also made roster moves by optioning Orlando Ribalta to Triple-A Rochester to accommodate Gore's return. Gore's last two starts before the injury saw him give up six earned runs with eight strikeouts and six walks over 9.1 innings.