The Nationals are bringing up one of their top pitching prospects to reinforce the major league staff.

​A source confirmed that the Nationals are calling up left-hander Jackson Kent, rated the team’s No. 8 prospect by MLB Pipeline. The Athletic was first to report the news.

His first appearance will be his major league debut.

Kent started the year with Double-A Harrisburg and pitched to a 2.35 ERA in seven starts. After a promotion to Triple-A Rochester, Kent posted a 4.38 ERA across 13 starts, striking out 67 batters in 63 2/3 innings.

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A fourth-round pick in 2024, Kent doesn’t light up radar guns, but he has a good changeup and knows how to pitch to his strengths. He’s seen a velocity increase this year, upping his average fastball to 93-95 mph. The jump has served him well and increased his likelihood of carving out a long major league career.

​After designating Zack Littell for assignment and trading All-Star left-hander Foster Griffin, the Nationals had an open rotation spot. Sunday’s successful bullpen game set Kent up to make his major league debut on normal rest; the southpaw pitched 5 2/3 innings on Aug. 5.

​One of the biggest developments for Kent has been the increased extension he’s getting on the mound. Extension measures how far a pitcher releases the ball from the rubber — a longer extension cuts down on the hitter’s reaction time. Kent already boasted a long extension, but his improvement there could make him a formidable pitcher in the majors.

​And he needs every advantage he can get, because he can’t compensate with overpowering stuff. Having pinpoint command will be paramount for the 23-year-old’s big league success. But he generally limits walks and doesn’t allow hard contact, which should provide him a solid floor.

The organization lauds Kent’s pitching acumen and leadership skills. He’s knowledgeable about baseball and could be an asset to the rotation because he processes information quickly and conveys it in a digestible manner.

​The Nationals will be most thrilled by a potential boost to their rotation, which has the sixth-worst ERA in the majors (4.59). How Washington’s young players perform down the stretch will likely go hand in hand with the team’s success. Adding Kent to the major league roster allows the Nationals to evaluate a pitcher who may be able to help them this season and beyond.