Nationals shut down rookie pitcher Cavalli for two weeks

The Washington Nationals are placing rookie right-hander Cade Cavalli on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation.

Manager Dave Martinez, who made the announcement before Tuesday night’s game against Oakland, said the team’s top pitching prospect will be shut down for two weeks and then re-evaluated.

Cavalli, the No. 22 selection in the 2020 draft, was tagged for seven runs and six hits in 4 1/3 innings of a loss in his major league debut last Friday against the Cincinnati Reds.

Martinez said Cavalli felt discomfort while playing catch the day after his debut and an MRI on Sunday showed inflammation around the capsule, but no structural damage.

Cavalli, who turned 24 on Aug. 24, was slated to make his second start on Thursday against the A’s. The Nationals have not named a replacement.