Phoenix, Arizona, US; West pitcher Travis Sykora (17) during the Perfect Game All-American Classic high school baseball game at Chase Field. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Washington Nationals Prospect Travis Sykora Thrives in Return From Offseason Surgery

Originally posted on Minor League Baseball on SI
By Sam Connon | Last updated May 3, 2025 12:33 PM ET

Travis Sykora, who underwent hip surgery this past offseason, shined in his 2025 debut Saturday afternoon.

The Washington Nationals' top prospect made a rehab start in the Florida Complex League showdown against the Houston Astros' rookie-level players, lasting 2.0 innings. While he gave up a single, a walk and a run – due to a balk – Sykora still managed to stuff the stat sheet in his limited time on the mound.

All six outs that Sykora recorded came via strikeouts.

Travis Sykora struck out six of eight batters he faced in the FCL in his first rehab outing since offseason hip surgery.

Full scouting report and more on the #Nats' top prospect (MLB No. 65): https://t.co/K6xiUHBFoL pic.twitter.com/4bmX1FFLg9
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) May 3, 2025

In 20 starts with Single-A Fredericksburg last season, Sykora went 5-3 with a 2.33 ERA, 0.906 WHIP and 13.7 strikeouts per nine innings. He is currently ranked as the No. 1 prospect in the Nationals' farm system and the No. 65 prospect in baseball – 10th highest among right-handed pitchers.

The Nationals took Sykora in the third round of the 2023 MLB Draft, plucking him straight out of Round Rock High School in Texas.

At this rate, Sykora won't spend long in Rookie ball with his injury firmly in the rear-view mirror. It remains to be seen just how quickly the 6-foot-6 hurler rises through the ranks, but his potential has already been put on display.

This article first appeared on Minor League Baseball on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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