Mason Thompson’s Emotional Comeback to the Nationals After a Long Road Back
The Washington Nationals just made a move that’s as emotional as it is strategic — Mason Thompson has officially returned to the big-league roster after being sidelined for over a year following his second Tommy John surgery. For Nationals fans, and really for anyone who appreciates perseverance in sports, this is more than just a roster update — it’s a story of grit, loss, and redemption.
Thompson was activated from the 60-day injured list ahead of the Nationals’ recent game against the Red Sox, which ended in a 10–3 loss. To make space, the club optioned Zach Brzykcy to Triple-A Rochester and transferred Derek Law to the 60-day IL. But the real headline here is Thompson — a pitcher who last appeared in the Majors in 2023 and has spent the last 18 months grinding through a rigorous rehab process.
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For those who don’t know, this was Thompson’s second Tommy John surgery. The first one is hard enough, but coming back from two? That’s rare territory. Most of that rehab journey took place down in Florida, where he worked tirelessly to rebuild not just his arm, but also his game. He added his changeup back into the mix — a pitch he used earlier in his career as a starter before being acquired by the Nationals from the Padres in the 2021 trade deadline deal for Daniel Hudson.
But beyond the baseball mechanics and medical milestones, this return is deeply personal for Thompson. During his rehab, he lost his grandfather — the man who introduced him to baseball and stayed deeply involved in his career. As Thompson put it, his grandfather would regularly call him with critiques, suggestions, and encouragement after every game. Now, with his grandfather gone, every pitch carries a little more meaning. And what’s even more poetic? The Nats are heading to St. Louis next — his grandfather’s hometown and the team he grew up rooting for. Talk about full circle.
In his last two outings for Triple-A Rochester, Thompson showed he’s ready, going scoreless in back-to-back appearances. Manager Dave Martinez praised his progress, noting that Thompson “has been throwing the ball really well” and is mentally locked in. The Nationals bullpen could use the boost too. Outside of Kyle Finnegan, the options are shaky, so Thompson stepping up could make a real difference down the stretch.
And look, this isn’t just a guy coming back to eat innings. This is a pitcher who’s been to the edge — physically and emotionally — and clawed his way back. For Thompson, this return isn’t just a roster move. It’s a tribute to perseverance, to family, and to unfinished business in the game he loves.
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