One of the best pitchers in Minor League Baseball received his first call to the Majors on April 24. That would be Riley Cornelio, the former TCU standout who has blossomed into a potential piece for the Nationals’ future over the last two seasons. And he wasn’t the only notable youngster to be called up to the Majors on the 24th.
Nationals call up Cornelio
The Nationals called up Riley Cornelio from Triple-A Rochester.
Cornelio’s promotion comes a little over a year after the former TCU product began his renaissance. After two difficult seasons in the Minors, Cornelio missed a lot of bats in High-A in 2025 and pitched very well in Double-A despite a lower swing-and-miss rate in Harrisburg. That season earned him a spot on the 40-man roster.
This season, Cornelio has been one of the best pitchers in all of Minor League Baseball. The right-hander struck out 27 over his first 18 innings with Rochester across four starts. His 37.6% Whiff% in Triple-A was fourth-best in the circuit (min. 100 swings) before the move.
Mid-90s fastball that rang as high as 97 MPH this season. Also, a slider and a changeup. The slider is the big weapon for Cornelio, with a 52.6% Whiff% on it this season.
McFarlane up with Phillies
The Phillies promoted Alex McFarlane from Double-A to help out the bullpen.
McFarlane was a sixth-round draft pick by the Phillies in 2022 out of Miami (FL). For much of his pro career, as recent as mid-2025, the Phillies were grooming him as a starter. However, he was moved to the bullpen halfway through last season and was ultimately added to the team’s 40-man roster.
Fastball that sat around 95-97 MPH in Double-A, as well as a slider. He struck out 10 over 6.1 IP with Reading before the move.
Recalls & options
Shane Drohan (Brewers), Tyler Black (Brewers), and Sammy Peralta (Rockies) were recalled from the Minors.
Christian Scott (Mets), Jose Espada (Orioles), Kendry Rojas (Twins), Carlos Rodriguez (Brewers), Johnathan Rodriguez (Orioles), and Julian Fernandez (Nationals) were optioned to Triple-A.
Other moves
Braves reliever Ian Hamilton was outrighted to Triple-A.
The Mets selected the contract of Carl Edwards Jr. to replace Scott on the roster.
Brewers outfielder Luis Matos was designated for assignment.
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