Nationals' Orlando Ribalta: Optioned after notching save
Rotowire
The Nationals optioned Ribalta to Triple-A Rochester on Friday.
The transaction comes one day after Ribalta recorded his first career save in Thursday's extra-inning win over the Pirates. Ribalta is clearing out to make room on the roster for Richard Lovelady, who was acquired via trade Thursday.
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Nationals' Orlando Ribalta: Earns first career save
Rotowire
Ribalta earned the save Thursday against the Pirates, allowing one hit and striking out one in a scoreless 10th inning.
The right-hander worked around the automatic runner as well as a leadoff single, striking out Bryan Reynolds and then inducing a game-ending double play from Jake Mangum. Despite the admirable performance, Ribalta was the sixth pitcher to come out of the bullpen, and the Nationals didn't have many other options in the 10th. Still, the 28-year-old has quality stuff with a mid-90s fastball and a changeup that produced a 40.4 percent whiff rate in 2025, and if he continues to improve his control he could emerge as a high-leverage option. After walking 21 batters in 33.1 innings across three levels last year, Ribalta has issued only one free pass in 7.1 innings between Triple-A and the majors to begin 2026.
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Nationals' Orlando Ribalta: Back in majors
Rotowire
The Nationals recalled Ribalta from Triple-A Rochester on Monday.
He'll provide Washington with another healthy arm out of the bullpen after right-hander Cole Henry (shoulder) was placed on the 15-day injured in a corresponding move. Ribalta previously made 26 appearances for Washington between the 2024 and 2025 seasons, logging a 7.81 ERA and 2.06 WHIP across 27.2 innings.
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Nationals' Orlando Ribalta: Opening season in minors
Rotowire
The Nationals optioned Ribalta to Triple-A Rochester on Monday.
Ribalta was one of the Nationals' better relievers in spring training, striking out six over 7.1 innings across seven Grapefruit League appearances while permitting one earned run on five hits and two walks. However, the 28-year-old righty has fared far worse in parts of two seasons in the big leagues (7.81 ERA, 2.06 WHIP in 27.2 innings), and that poor track record was likely a factor in him failing to make the Opening Day roster.
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Nationals' Orlando Ribalta: Demoted to Rochester
Rotowire
The Nationals optioned Ribalta to Triple-A Rochester on Wednesday.
Ribalta pitched each of the last two days, allowing a total of four runs over two innings. He's being replaced on the active roster by Sauryn Lao, who was called up from Rochester to give the Nationals a fresh bullpen arm after Tuesday's doubleheader against Atlanta.
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Nationals' Orlando Ribalta: Sent down to Rochester
Rotowire
The Nationals optioned Ribalta to Triple-A Rochester on Wednesday.
Since being promoted into Washington's bullpen Aug. 1, Ribalta has turned in a 5.27 ERA and 1.90 WHIP alongside a 15:11 K:BB across 13.2 innings. The 27-year-old's subpar performance will now cause him to return to the minors in anticipation of MacKenzie Gore's (shoulder) return from the injured list Thursday.
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Nationals' Orlando Ribalta: Up in big leagues
Rotowire
The Nationals recalled Ribalta from Triple-A Rochester on Friday.
The right-hander is back in the majors to fill out Washington's bullpen after the trade deadline. Ribalta has given up five earned runs with a 6:4 K:BB over 7.2 frames in the majors this season.
The Nationals sent Ribalta (biceps) to Double-A Harrisburg on Tuesday to begin a rehab assignment, Bobby Blanco of MASNSports.com reports.
Ribalta has been sidelined since mid-April with a right biceps strain but has been cleared for rehab games following a lengthy absence. Given how long he's been out, Ribalta is likely to require a fairly long rehab assignment before being considered for reinstatement from the 15-day injured list.
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Nationals' Orlando Ribalta: Placed on IL due to biceps strain
Rotowire
The Nationals placed Ribalta on the 15-day injured list Sunday due to a right biceps strain, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.
Ribalta made his last appearance Tuesday against the Dodgers, during which he allowed one run on three hits and one walk while striking out three in three innings (58 pitches). According to Bobby Blanco of MASNSports.com, Ribalta felt tightness in his arm coming out of the appearance and was diagnosed with a bicep strain. Ribalta underwent an MRI earlier Sunday, but the severity of his injury won't be known until the results of his tests are in. With Ribalta sidelined, the Nationals replenished their bullpen by recalling Cole Henry from Triple-A Rochester in a corresponding move.
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Nationals' Orlando Ribalta: Back with big club
Rotowire
The Nationals recalled Ribalta from Triple-A Rochester on Wednesday, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.
Washington placed Joan Adon (bicep) on the 15-day injured list in a corresponding move. Ribalta, 26, permitted three runs over two innings in two appearances with the big club earlier this month.
