On the mound for the Nats, Cavalli must navigate a lefty-heavy Pirates lineup while controlling the tempo of the game and limiting big innings to maximize Washington’s chances.

Cavalli brings a favorable PIT matchup in a National League context, offering solid ratios with upside in strikeouts. His recent control wasn’t perfect, but the opponent’s lineup absence and a home-friendly park give him standalone streaming appeal.

Cavalli projects as a high-upside streamer against Pirates, whose offense has struggled all season. Cavalli has flashed a 20.7% strikeout rate with a low 5.9% walk rate and limited barrel contact. His curve and fastball usage create whiff upside in a favorable matchup, making him a viable spot-start in weekly formats.

Cade Cavalli is cited among Nationals players who have flashed promise but failed to maintain momentum, reflecting the broader challenge of turning high-end prospect upside into consistent major-league production as Washington’s rebuild stalls and rotation depth thins.

Cavalli was chased early, exiting after just 2 1/3 innings as the Nationals faced a brutal third inning, prompting an immediate bullpen onslaught for the visitors.