Nationals Option Two Pitchers, Make More Cuts to MLB Spring Camp

Washington reassigns several prospects as they continue to trim roster ahead of Opening Day

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Washington Nationals have made more cuts to their MLB spring training camp, optioning right-handed pitchers Riley Cornelio and Luis Perales to Triple-A Rochester. The team also reassigned several other prospects, including top-30 prospect Caleb Lomavita and former top-100 prospect Orelvis Martinez, to minor league camp as they continue to trim their roster ahead of Opening Day.

Why it matters

These roster moves indicate the Nationals' plans for their young pitching prospects, with Cornelio likely being developed as a starter and Perales needing more time to recover from Tommy John surgery. The cuts also show the tough competition for roster spots, especially among the team's position player prospects.

The details

Cornelio, who had impressed with 7 strikeouts in 5 innings this spring, was optioned to Triple-A, suggesting the Nationals want to keep him in a starting role rather than use him as a reliever. Perales, who flashed his electric stuff in a spring outing, was also sent down as he continues to recover control after his surgery. Other notable cuts include top-30 prospect Lomavita and former top-100 prospect Martinez, who were reassigned to minor league camp along with pitchers Bryce Montes de Oca and Tyler Baum.

  • The Nationals announced the cuts on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
  • Opening Day for the 2026 MLB season is roughly two-and-a-half weeks away.

The players

Riley Cornelio

A 25-year-old right-handed pitcher in the Nationals' organization who has impressed this spring with 7 strikeouts in 5 innings.

Luis Perales

A Nationals pitching prospect who is working his way back from Tommy John surgery and flashed his electric stuff in a spring training outing.

Caleb Lomavita

A top-30 prospect in the Nationals' system who was reassigned to minor league camp.

Orelvis Martinez

A former top-100 prospect who was also reassigned to minor league camp after going 4-for-10 with the Nationals this spring.

Bryce Montes de Oca

A pitcher the Nationals brought in during the offseason as a potential bullpen option.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Nationals will continue to trim their roster and prepare their projected starters for the upcoming season as Opening Day approaches.

The takeaway

The Nationals' roster moves show their commitment to developing their young pitching talent, even if it means optioning or reassigning some of their top prospects to the minors for now. This reflects a long-term approach as the team looks to build a sustainable contender.