Jarlin Susana, ranked the third-best prospect in the Washington Nationals farm system, will close out 2026 with a promotion
The Washington Nationals are enjoying an off day on Monday before returning to Nationals Park to host the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday, but they also saw a notable promotion in the minor league materialize with Jarlin Susana now one step closer toward his MLB debut.
Susana, 22, announced his promotion to Triple A Rochester over the weekend. Though there is uncertainty as to when he will make his first appearance in Rochester, it marks the latest step in his recovery with all eyes focused on whether the right hander will make his MLB debut this season.
Through seven total appearances and 17.2 innings pitched in 2026, Susana owns a 5.09 ERA and 1.19 WHIP while allowing one earned run and tossing 34 strikeouts. Through four appearances in Double A, Susana owns an 0-1 record with a 4.76 ERA and 1.24 WHIP with 21 strikeouts against ten hits allowed.
Susana will now join a pitching staff with uncertainty as to how the rotation over the final six games plays out after Sunday's game was called off due to rain, a decision that also altered the Nationals' plans for left hander Connelly Early's next rehab appearance.
Yet he becomes the latest top prospect to climb through the Nationals organization this season after watching others like Yohandy Morales shine and Eli Willits, the top overall pick in the 2025 Draft, enjoy a promotion to Double A Harrisburg. It also marks an encouraging outing given Susana is dealing in the wake of a right elbow strain and triceps soreness that derailed his 2025 season.
Ranked the third best prospect in the Nationals farm system, all eyes are on whether Susana will make his MLB debut in 2027 with a chance for the 22 year old to carve out a role in the bullpen or potentially fill the void to address the questions surrounding the closers.
Through five seasons and 75 appearances in the minor leagues, Susana owns a 4.10 ERA and 1.31 WHIP while tossing over 400 strikeouts to just 11 home runs allowed. Susana has also held opponents to a .217 batting average, including .182 across his three appearances and 6.1 innings pitched in High A this season.
Meanwhile, the Nationals are closing the book on the 2026 regular season with a mini series against the Philadelphia Phillies one of four opponents remaining on the schedule to close out year one under Blake Butera and Paul Toboni.
