Washington Nationals Starting Pitcher DJ Herz had a great outing on Tuesday night at home against the New York Mets. He surrendered one earned run over 5.1 innings of work while punching out 1o as the Nationals lost 7-2 in 10 innings. He walked away with a no decision as he was locked in a pitcher’s duel with New York Mets Starting Pitcher Sean Manaea. The bullpen of the Nationals imploded tonight as the Mets scored five runs in the top of the 10th.
In the young career of Herz, this was the second time he had an outing of ten or more strikeouts and no walks allowed. Back on June 15, Herz pitched six scoreless innings while striking out 13 against the Miami Marlins and issuing no free passes. He made his MLB debut on May 4 against the Mets and surrendered four earned runs over four innings of work. As can be expected from a player this young, Herz has been unable to string together multiple stellar starts.
The Washington Nationals hope Herz can anchor their starting rotation for years to come as they build toward the future. Herz is 1-2 this season with an ERA of 4.67. How will he fare in his next start?
DJ Herz Career Summary
DJ Herz records his second 10+ K, 0 BB outing in 6 career starts! pic.twitter.com/fuVNhDscKT
— MLB (@MLB) July 3, 2024
Herz, 23, was drafted in the eighth round of the 2019 MLB Draft by the Chicago Cubs. He was the No. 12 prospect in the farm system of the Washington Nationals entering the 2024 season.
Washington Nationals Season Summary
The Nationals(39-46) are in fourth place in the National League East and 5.5 games back of the third and final National League Wild Card spot. Their offense has struggled in 2024. They are 21st in batting average, tied for last in home runs, and 19th in runs scored. Their offense is led by Shortstop CJ Abrams. He leads the Washington Nationals in nearly every important category this season.
The pitching staff of the Nats has been slightly better than their offense in 2024. They are 14th in ERA, 18th in WHIP, and 25th in opposing batting average. Starting Pitcher Jake Irvin and MacKenzie Gore lead the club with seven wins while Irvin leads the team in ERA and Gore leads them in strikeouts. Irvin is 16th in the league in ERA and 19th in WHIP. Gore is top 20 in the league in strikeouts.
The backend of the Nationals bullpen has been strong in 2024. Closer Kyle Finnegan is third in the league with 22 saves and Hunter Harvey is third in the league in holds with 23.
When Will Herz Take The Mound Next?
The next scheduled start for DJ Herz is on Sunday, July 7, against the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals offense has been inconsistent this season which should provide Herz with the opportunity to string together two strong starts for the first time in his major league career.
The Washington Nationals play the third game of their four-game set against the New York Mets tomorrow night. They host the Cardinals for a three-game series beginning on Friday. It will be an uphill battle for Washington to make the MLB Playoffs for the first time since winning the World Series in 2019.
Regardless of how the rest of the 2024 season goes for the Washington Nationals, Starting Pitcher DJ Herz will be an integral part of the team’s plans going forward.
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