Nats recall southpaw Rivero, option righty Jordan to Triple-A

The Nationals have recalled left-hander Felipe Rivero from Triple-A Syracuse, and the reliever will be making his Major League debut if and when he takes the mound for the Nats.

In a corresponding move, the club optioned right-hander Taylor Jordan back to Syracuse. Jordan was called up to the Nationals on Wednesday, but he did not pitch.

Rivero, 23, is ranked No. 16 in Washington's Minor League system by MLB.com's Prospect Watch. In five Grapefruit League games this spring, he went 1-0 while allowing just four hits in 5 2/3 scoreless innings and striking out six. Rivero also made three appearances for Syracuse before his callup, allowing three runs in 2 2/3 innings.

Across three levels of the Minors last year, Rivero struck out 50 batters while walking just 19 in 53 2/3 innings. He went 2-7 with a 3.35 ERA but worked exclusively as a starter.

Rivero was acquired in a Feb. 13, 2014, deal with the Rays that sent right-hander Nathan Karns to Tampa Bay.