Nationals Place All-Star MacKenzie Gore on 15-Day IL with Shoulder Injury

The Washington Nationals placed All-Star left-hander MacKenzie Gore on the 15-day injured list due to inflammation in his pitching shoulder, retroactive to August 27. Gore has struggled significantly since the All-Star break, posting a 7.54 ERA in eight starts, contributing to the Nationals' challenging season. Despite a strong first half that earned him his first All-Star selection, Gore's performance has declined, with concerns growing over the injury's impact on his future. The Nationals recalled right-hander Mason Thompson from Triple-A Rochester to fill Gore's roster spot, though Thompson has also faced struggles this season. Gore's injury raises questions about his long-term value, especially since he becomes a free agent after the 2027 season, and his diminished trade value could affect the Nationals' plans. The team and fans hope the injury is short-term, as a more serious shoulder issue would be detrimental to both Gore and Washington's outlook.