Luis Perales pitched to a 3.64 ERA in Triple-A Rochester. Jonathan Tenca / Cal Sport Media via AP ImagesAug. 25, 2026 Updated 11:40 pm EDTThe Washington Nationals are promoting right-hander Luis Perales, multiple people with knowledge of the move but unauthorized to speak publicly told The Athletic on Tuesday night, bringing one of the organization’s top pitching prospects up for his MLB debut ahead of Wednesday’s game against the Colorado Rockies. Washington acquired the flamethrowing 23-year-old in a trade with the Boston Red Sox this winter.While some in the organization have stressed that they view Perales as a starter long-term, the Nationals plan to use him out of the bullpen for now, according to a person with knowledge of their plans but unauthorized to speak publicly. The Nationals believe Perales has some of the best stuff in their organization.
Perales pitched to a 3.64 ERA in Triple-A Rochester and had only recently transitioned to the bullpen. Across six innings of relief, he struck out 12 and walked two batters.In a corresponding move, Washington optioned righty Jake Bird to Rochester.The Nationals have been focused on refining Perales’s routine and game-planning this season, often referencing his limited experience in professional baseball after missing part of 2024 and 2025 while recovering from Tommy John surgery. Coaches and executives have lauded the strides he has made on both fronts, and tout his splitter — a pitch he has began to use with far more regularity over the last month — as one of the most devastating weapons in the system.Also helping matters: His fastball sits 99 mph.
