Washington Nationals left-handed pitcher DJ Herz (elbow) is set to undergo Tommy John surgery. The southpaw sought several opinions on his partial UCL tear. However, Herz was unable to make significant progress and will now be sidelined until at least the 2026 All-Star break. The 24-year-old has been shut down for several weeks due to this injury. He entered camp competing for a spot on the Opening Day roster. Last summer, Herz made his MLB debut and logged 88 2/3 innings to the tune of a 4.16 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP. He struck out batters at an impressive 27.7 percent rate and generated an elite 3.26 xERA and a .208 xBA, which suggests he should see significant positive regression when he returns to the bump. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status but should not expect him to carry any fantasy value for at least the next 12 months.
The Washington Nationals announced on Wednesday that they have moved left-hander DJ Herz (elbow) to the 60-day injured list to make room for right-handed pitching prospect Brad Lord on the major-league roster. Herz is dealing with a sprained UCL in his left elbow and now won't be able to make his 2025 season debut until at least June. Depending on how the 24-year-old southpaw recovers, there's a chance we won't see him at all this year. It's a big blow to the former eighth-round pick of the Chicago Cubs in 2019 after he made his major-league debut in D.C. last year. In his first 19 starts in the majors, Herz went 4-9 with a 4.16 ERA (3.71 FIP) and 1.26 WHIP with 106 strikeouts and 36 walks in 88 2/3 innings. With the possibility of missing most or all of 2025, Herz should only be stashed in deep dynasty/keeper formats.
Nationals left-hander DJ Herz (elbow) will begin the season on the 15-day injured list with a UCL sprain. Herz was optioned to Triple-A Rochester last Friday after dealing with a "dead arm" this spring. He showed a high ceiling with a 10.7 K/9 in 88 2/3 innings with the Nats last year with a 4.16 ERA and 3.71 FIP. This spring, though, his velocity was down, and he managed just four strikeouts in 9 2/3 innings while walking nine and giving up nine runs. Hopefully, this injury explains his issues, and when he recovers, he'll be back to full strength. That could be a while, though, since he'll have to be shut down and then ramp back up. He still has long-term potential, but going on the IL moves any potential impact to later in the season.
Washington Nationals starting pitcher DJ Herz has been optioned to Triple-A Rochester on Friday. An interesting development as the Nats have decided to roll with Mitchell Parker as their fifth starter to begin the season. Herz wasn't great last season, but he did have some solid moments with the Nats. Herz posted a 4.16 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and 106/36 K/BB ratio across 19 starts with the Nats in 2024. Obviously, Herz won't offer fantasy value in the minors, but dynasty managers should continue to hold the southpaw. He does have decent potential and should get another chance in the Nats rotation at some point this upcoming season.
The Washington Post's Spencer Nusbaum writes that Washington Nationals left-hander DJ Herz worked hard to tighten up his mechanics and add strength in the offseason. "Everything's in the zone, everything's where you want it. And it's cool to see that all of my bullpens have been like that so far," Herz said. The 24-year-old southpaw is looking to build on an impressive rookie season in 2024 in which he went 4-9 with a 4.16 ERA (3.71 FIP) and 1.26 WHIP with 106 strikeouts and 36 walks in 88 2/3 innings pitched over his first 19 MLB starts. Even more encouraging was the fact that he turned things around and was pitching his best late in the year after a tough initial go of it in the big leagues. Eliminating unneeded movement in his windup will hopefully make him more consistent within the strike zone and raise his ceiling as starting pitching depth in deeper fantasy leagues. Herz is competing for a rotation spot this spring.
Washington Nationals starting pitcher DJ Herz threw five hitless innings on Saturday and picked up the win in the first game of the Nationals-Pirates doubleheader as Washington won 5-3. Herz struck out five and walked three in the process, unable to go deeper in the game after throwing 87 pitches in five innings. The lefty has provided solid value for the Nationals in his rookie season, posting a 3.82 ERA in just over 75 innings pitched. With an xERA of 3.37 it'd appear that positive regression is likely for the lefty in his remaining starts this season. Fantasy managers looking for a late season find may want to consider adding Herz to their roster. The 23-year-old will look to continue improving in his next scheduled start on Thursday against the Miami Marlins. Herz previously faced the Marlins in June and struck out 13 in six innings. Fantasy managers and DFS managers should both target Herz for his start against Miami.
Washington Nationals starting pitcher DJ Herz was once again impressive on the mound during Sunday's outing against the St. Louis Cardinals. The rookie left-hander struck out eight batters while allowing two runs in five innings of work. For the second time in a row Herz threw under 80 pitches before being yanked from the game. To be fair, the Nationals don't have much incentive to push their prized southpaw to his limits given their place in the standings.
The Washington Nationals have called up pitcher DJ Herz from Triple-A Rochester, and he will pitch against the San Diego Padres on Tuesday. Herz made seven appearances with the Nationals earlier this season and went 1-2 with a 5.47 ERA and 1.41 WHIP. He recorded 41 strikeouts and nine walks over 31 1/3 innings before being sent down after a start on July 7 against the St. Louis Cardinals. Herz recorded his first win against the Miami Marlins on June 15. His strikeout potential makes him an intriguing play for daily fantasy managers, while those in standard leagues would be wise to keep him on the waiver wire.
The Washington Nationals optioned pitcher DJ Herz to Triple-A Rochester ahead of the team's series finale against the St. Louis Cardinals. Herz would have started one more game before the All-Star break, but the Nationals have opted to send him down anyway. Mark Zuckerman of MASN said this move will likely save some innings for later. As a result, fantasy managers can assume Herz will return shortly after the All-Star break. The left-hander currently owns a 5.17 ERA across his first seven major league starts. In two of those outings, the 23-year-old struck out at least 10 batters, so there is some appeal in still stashing him in most 12-plus team leagues. In his place, Joan Adon took his spot on the active roster and should draw a start this week.
DJ Herz Racks Up 13 Strikeouts In Saturday's Win Over Miami
Washington Nationals left-hander DJ Herz (1-1) allowed one hit and no walks while striking out 13 over six scoreless innings to earn the win in Saturday's 4-0 win over the Miami Marlins. The lefty tossed 84 pitches, landing 57 for strikes. Herz recorded 21 swinging strikes. He cruised to his first major league victory and was perfect except for surrendering a single to Marlins third baseman Jake Burger. Herz became the second pitcher in MLB history to rack up 13 strikeouts and no walks in the first three career starts. The other was retired Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg. Herz owns a 3.77 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and 21 strikeouts over 14 1/3 innings in 2024. The southpaw will look to build on Saturday's impressive performance in his next start in Coors Field against the Colorado Rockies on Friday.
