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The Nationals optioned Cornelio to Triple-A Rochester after Friday's game against the White Sox.
Cornelio made his MLB debut Friday against the Pale Hose, giving up three runs (two earned) on two hits and four walks while striking out one batter over two innings. He'll now be sent back to the minors but could return to Washington later in the year to make a spot start or provide length out of the bullpen.
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Nationals' Riley Cornelio: Recalled to big leagues
Rotowire
The Nationals recalled Cornelio from Triple-A Rochester on Friday.
Cornelio earned his first promotion to the big leagues after putting up a 2.45 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 27:8 K:BB through 18.1 innings with Rochester. The right-hander will likely be broken in as a long reliever, but given the lackluster performance of the Nationals' rotation, Cornelio could earn some starts if he pitches well.
The Nationals are expected to recall Cornelio from Triple-A Rochester on Friday, Spencer Nusbaum of The Athletic reports.
Cornelio has gotten off to a strong start with Rochester this season, posting a 2.45 ERA and 1.05 WHIP alongside a 27:8 K:BB through 18.1 innings (four starts). His performance will now buy him an opportunity in the big leagues, where he is likely to work out of Washington's bullpen in a long-relief role. He'll be making his MLB debut whenever he gets into a game.
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Nationals' Riley Cornelio: Sent out of big-league camp
Rotowire
The Nationals optioned Cornelio to Triple-A Rochester on Sunday.
Cornelio impressed in his limited Grapefruit League action with a 7:0 BB:K while holding batters to a .176 average over five innings, but having minor-league options remaining may have worked against his bid for a spot on the Opening Day roster. The 25-year-old righty is likely to remain on a starter's development track at Rochester, though poor command and the lack of a deep arsenal could make him a better fit in the bullpen once he reaches the big leagues.
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Nationals' Riley Cornelio: Could make Opening Day roster
Rotowire
Cornelio will be in the mix for a spot on the 26-man roster this spring, either in the bullpen or at the back of the rotation, Jessica Camerato of MLB.com reports.
The Nationals' Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2025 began the campaign at High-A Wilmington and finished the year with eight starts for Triple-A Rochester, posting a 38:13 K:BB in 35.1 innings. Cornelio saw a big spike in his fastball velocity last season, touching 97-98 mph but having difficulty sustaining that heat deeper into games, and his slider has flashed plus. The 25-year-old right-hander got added to the 40-man roster this offseason to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft, and he could follow the same path that Brad Lord did in 2025, beginning the season in short relief before getting stretched out for a rotation or swingman role. Given the Nats' muddled closer picture, Cornelio could also work his way into a high-leverage role if his fastball plays up in shorter bursts and his slider becomes more consistent.
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