Nationals shuffle bullpen, send two relievers to injured list, promote pair of Triple-A arms

The Nationals announced a pair of changes to the bullpen on Monday after injuries to relievers Ken Waldichuk and Cole Henry.

Washington promoted Triple-A pitchers Orlando Ribalta and Jackson Rutledge to fill the gaps on the roster.

Waldichuk and Henry are both on the 15-day injured list as they receive treatment for throwing arm injuries. 

Waldichuk reported left forearm tightness after tossing 1 2/3 innings during Sunday’s win over the Milwaukee Brewers. Henry suffered a right rotator cuff strain in the same game.

Rutledge, a former first-round pick, has allowed three runs across six innings of work with Triple-A Rochester this season. He made 63 relief appearances for the Nationals last season, posting a 5.77 ERA with 65 strikeouts across 73 1/3 innings of work.

Ribalta has a 3.38 ERA through six games in Triple-A this year. He also spent the bulk of last year in the majors with Rutledge, struggling with a 7.03 ERA in 22 appearances for the Nationals.

The Nationals opened a four-game series in Pittsburgh with a 16-5 loss to the Pirates on Monday night. Rutledge was optioned back to Triple-A following the game after giving up seven earned runs on six hits in 1 1/3 innings.