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.
Washington Nationals minor league pitcher DJ Herz is a former Cubs eighth-round pick who has flourished into a very promising prospect. In fact, he garnered so much attention in the minors that he became the centerpiece of the package going to the Nationals when they traded Jeimer Candelario this summer. Originally drafted for his mid-90s fastball that misses bats, Herz has developed a nasty changeup that is now far and away his best offering. Like any well-rounded pitcher, he also throws a breaking ball: an effective slider in the low-80s that has developed into a very strong tertiary pitch. Herz dominated during his last start on Aug. 16, striking out 10 batters and allowing just one hit over five scoreless innings. He silenced the Richmond Flying Squirrels and made his presence felt during his third start in the Nationals' organization. A promotion seems very likely as September nears since that would give him a taste of Triple-A action before he opens 2024 at that level.
Chicago Cubs pitching prospect DJ Herz continues to turn heads in the minors. Herz fell to the eighth round of the 2019 draft, where Chicago scooped him up and managed to ink him to an above-slot deal. The talented prep southpaw had caught their attention thanks to his electric arm and solid command. After parts of three seasons in the minors, he continues to impress. Herz ranks ninth among Cubs prospects, boasting a mid-90s fastball. He also has two strong pitches that complement his heater: a changeup with late fade and a curveball with nasty vertical break. Herz had a phenomenal outing this past week. During his start on June 1, the 21-year-old struck out a whopping 12 batters over just five innings of work. Furthermore, he gave up zero runs, one hit, and one walk. He has now thrown 12 consecutive scoreless innings, all while posting fabulous numbers and making himself a top candidate for promotion to Double-A. Although a call to the majors isn't on the radar for Herz this year, 2023 could be a different story. If he does get the nod, fantasy managers should monitor the lefty's availability.
