Orlando Ribalta
Breakdown
Performance
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April 17, 2026
Earns first career save
Ribalta earned the save Thursday against the Pirates, allowing one hit and striking out one in a scoreless 10th inning.
Analysis
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.
April 13, 2026
Back in majors
The Nationals recalled Ribalta from Triple-A Rochester on Monday.
Analysis
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.
