Out of the bullpen in 2026, Riley Cornelio has struggled to solidify himself as a reliable reliever for the Washington Nationals.
Across 12 appearances through Sept. 2, the 26-year-old posted a 5.96 ERA and 1.81 WHIP over 22.2 innings. Command was a glaring issue for Cornelio, who issued 21 walks while striking out 23 hitters.
However, on Sept. 8, the right-hander served as Washington’s opener against the San Diego Padres. Cornelio dazzled, pitching three perfect innings while striking out four.
He shined again as an opener for Jake Irvin on Sunday against the Los Angeles Angels, tossing two scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and a walk while striking out four.
Those stellar performances have lowered Cornelio’s season ERA and WHIP to 4.88 and 1.55, respectively.
Although he has been as good as the Nationals could ask for over his last two appearances, Cornelio’s 2026 numbers are better as a reliever than a starter.
This season, across Triple-A Rochester and Washington, he has a 3.88 ERA over 25 appearances and 51 innings out of the bullpen. Conversely, Cornelio has a 4.22 ERA in 11 starts over 42.2 innings. Before his start against the Padres, Cornelio had not started since May 27.
Despite those notable splits, Cornelio could still be a part of the starting rotation, according to manager Blake Butera.
“I wouldn’t close the door on that,” Butera said after Sunday’s victory against the Angels, when asked whether Cornelio could start again. “We’ve messaged to him that we wanted to see him come out of the bullpen. He did really well in Triple-A at that. I think up here he’s still trying to navigate what that looks like. The more sample size we can get of him doing a couple different roles, the more clarity I think we can give him. But yeah, I wouldn’t close the door on it.”
Pitching has been the Nationals’ biggest weakness in 2026. Washington’s 4.74 team ERA is the fourth-worst mark in baseball. Even more troubling is how badly Washington’s bullpen has performed this season.
The Nationals’ 5.14 bullpen ERA is the second-worst in the majors, behind only the Athletics (5.42). Washington’s 39 blown saves this season are the most by a team in MLB history, breaking the previous record of 37 set by the Chicago White Sox in 2024.
Meanwhile, the Nationals’ long-term starting rotation outlook remains uncertain. Cade Cavalli has thrived with a 3.12 ERA over 31 starts in 2026, while Andrew Alvarez has been solid with a 3.35 ERA over 23 appearances (15 starts). However, Irvin has struggled to a 5.51 ERA over 20 appearances (19 starts).
Injured starter Connelly Early, along with Josiah Gray and DJ Herz, who have yet to pitch in the majors this season, will also factor into the mix in 2027.
Nonetheless, given the Nationals’ brutal pitching struggles in 2026, Cornelio’s recent performance is an encouraging sign. It is also cementing his role on Washington’s pitching staff beyond this season. The only question is where.
The Nationals (70-81) were eliminated from postseason contention on Monday and begin the first of two games with the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday at 6:45 p.m. ET.
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