Cornelio's Debut: Nats' Piggyback Strategy in Question

On April 25th, the Washington Nationals kicked off their series against the Chicago White

Sox on Friday with high hopes, especially since, 25-year-old prospect Riley Cornelio was

making his big league debut.

Fresh off a rough patch against the Braves, the Nats wanted a spark, but Cornelio's outing

turned into a nightmare and they ended up losing 4-2.

Three after he surrendered, three runs into innings.

No piggybacks behind Miles McCullis and took the mound in the bottom of the 7th with

the game tight at one run.

He walked the first two guys, botched a bunk play with a wild throw that tied it up, then

allowed a sack fly to give Chicago the lead.

In the 8th, after the Nats tied it, he walked more and gave up another sack fly that sealed

the win for the Sox.

Fans are buzzing with disappointment, wondering if this young Riley fits the puzzle.

The Nationals front office seized this year as a long evaluation for their roster so

they're not writing him off yet, but his command issues.

Four walks.

On 42 pitches, only half strikes, raised real questions about his readiness.

Right after the game, the team option Cornelio backed a triple A Rochester while left the

Andrew Alvarez impressed more in a similar spot and might get.

The next call up nod.

Still, with the piggyback strategy around McCullis, spots will open up.

That Cornelio to return at some point.

He's dominated in the minors and has upside that Friday didn't show.

Keep an eye on how the Nats develop him in this rebuild phase.

That wraps Washington Nationals news today, brought to you with AI.

I'm Corey, with the story.