The Washington Nationals announced a roster move on Wednesday, recalling right-handed pitcher Sauryn Lao from Triple-A Rochester Red Wings while optioning fellow right-hander Orlando Ribalta back to Rochester. Nationals Interim General Manager Mike DeBartolo confirmed the transaction.
Lao, 26, rejoins the Nationals’ Major League roster for the first time since being claimed off waivers from the Seattle Mariners on September 3. In three appearances with Triple-A Rochester, Lao impressed with a 1.59 ERA (1 earned run in 5.2 innings), recording two strikeouts and consistently working multiple innings. He recorded at least five outs in each outing, including a pair of 2.0-inning stints.
The right-hander made his MLB debut for Seattle earlier this season on April 22 at Boston, throwing 1.2 scoreless innings with three strikeouts. Overall, he pitched in two big league games for the Mariners in 2024 and struck out four batters across 3.1 innings without allowing an earned run.
A native of Barahona, Dominican Republic, Lao’s path to Washington is unique. He was originally signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2015 as an infielder before converting to pitching in 2023. Over the past three Minor League seasons, Lao has built an 8–5 record with a 3.46 ERA and 202 strikeouts in 184.2 innings across 99 games (20 starts). In 2024 with Triple-A Rochester, he tallied a 2–4 record with a 3.01 ERA, showcasing strong developmental progress.
To make room for Lao, the Nationals optioned Orlando Ribalta, 27, to Triple-A Rochester. Ribalta pitched in 20 games for Washington this season, recording a 6.56 ERA.