Overview
- The Nationals placed relievers Ken Waldichuk (left forearm tightness) and Cole Henry (right rotator cuff strain) on the 15-day injured list and recalled Orlando Ribalta and Jackson Rutledge from Triple-A Rochester.
- Washington’s bullpen holds a 5.71 ERA this season, ranking 27th in MLB, so the losses deepen an already shaky unit.
- Waldichuk left his last outing in visible pain, pointing to his elbow, before the team listed his issue as forearm tightness.
- The left-hander had Tommy John surgery in 2024 and struggled upon returning in 2025, which heightens concern about any new arm problem.
- To cover innings, the club turned to Ribalta, who has a 3.38 ERA and 0.75 WHIP in six Triple-A outings, and Rutledge, who has a 5.40 ERA with five walks in five Triple-A innings.