Nationals Get Jake Irvin Update Amid 6-Week Absence

Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Nationals Get Jake Irvin Update Amid 6-Week Absence

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Miracle Dimwesh | Last updated Jul 8, 2026 4:39 PM ET

Jake Irvin took a significant step in his return from a right shoulder strain on Wednesday, facing live hitters for the first time since going on the injured list six weeks ago.

The Washington Nationals right-hander faced Jose Tena and Andres Chaparro in a live batting practice session. Per Mark Zuckerman of The Athletic, if the session goes well, Irvin could begin a minor-league rehab assignment next.

The injury came at a frustrating moment for Irvin. He had just thrown five hitless innings against the Atlanta Braves on May 23 before feeling tightness in his shoulder after the fifth inning. He tried to go back out for the sixth but could not continue. An MRI confirmed a right shoulder strain with no structural damage, and the Nationals placed him on the 15-day IL on May 24.

Jake Irvin is facing live hitters (Jose Tena, Andres Chaparro) for the first time since going on the 15-day IL with a shoulder strain 6 weeks ago. If all goes well, he could begin a minor-league rehab assignment next.
— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) July 8, 2026

Irvin, 29, threw a bullpen session on July 3 before Wednesday's live BP. He entered 2026 as a key rotation piece for Washington, going 2-4 with a 5.23 ERA and 58 strikeouts in 51 2/3 innings across 11 starts before the injury.

He was drafted by the Nationals in the fourth round of the 2018 MLB Draft out of the University of Oklahoma. He debuted on May 3, 2023 and has spent his entire career in Washington.

Washington Nationals pitcher Jake Irvin (27)Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

The Nationals are 47-46 and fourth in the National League East entering Wednesday's series finale against the Houston Astros at Nationals Park.

If Wednesday's live BP goes well, a rehab assignment could put Irvin back on the mound before the All-Star break ends. The Nationals' rotation has been stretched thin by injuries all season and his return would provide a significant boost for the second half.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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