Nationals Place Ribalta on Injured List, Recall Cruz

The Washington Nationals have announced that right-handed pitcher Orlando Ribalta has been placed on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to September 4, due to inflammation in his right forearm. In response, the team has recalled fellow righty Yovanny Cruz.

The severity of Ribalta's injury remains uncertain, and with the season nearing its end, any stint on the injured list could potentially be season-ending. The Nationals, currently 9.5 games out of playoff contention, are likely prioritizing future prospects over immediate performance.

This season, Ribalta has shown improvement, pitching 43 innings with a 3.77 ERA, contrasting with his previous year's performance. He is still under team control for five more seasons. Meanwhile, Cruz, who has pitched 9 1/3 innings this year with a 6.43 ERA, will have the opportunity for more major league appearances. Additionally, Connelly Early, acquired from the Red Sox, may make his team debut soon, as he is set to pitch in a Bridge League game.