SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Brad Lord’s rookie campaign keeps getting better—and yesterday’s outing may have been one of his most complete performances yet. The 24-year-old right-hander not only shut down the Giants with poise and precision, but also strengthened his place among the National League’s top first-year arms.
Through 85 big league innings this year—split between the Nationals’ rotation and bullpen—Lord now ranks first among qualified NL rookies in games pitched (39), and sits second in ERA (3.28), strikeouts (70), holds (7), WHIP (1.21), opponent batting average (.239), slugging allowed (.350), and OPS allowed (.656). He’s also third in opponent on-base percentage (.306), making it clear how difficult he’s been to square up all season.
I feel like getting out of that jam, taking it one pitch at a time, really trusting my stuff and trusting my defense behind me," he said, "once you get through a situation like that, it kind of feels easier after that."
From May 11 to July 12, Lord worked exclusively out of the bullpen, making 29 appearances and demonstrating his value as a multi-inning weapon. During that stretch, he posted a solid 1-1 record with a 2.79 ERA, limited opponents to a .217 batting average, struck out 35 batters, and issued 14 walks. That run helped stabilize Washington’s relief corps, and it showcased Lord’s ability to adapt and thrive in different roles.
Lord said that getting early support made a difference, explaining that “pitching with the lead is always easier,” and that when he saw James Wood’s big swing and home run in the first inning, it sent a jolt through him. “We’re here. We’re doing this today. We're here. We're doing this today.' It's such a good feeling,” and that confidence carried over into his performance.
In just his fourth start since rejoining the rotation, Lord looked fully at home. After a 92-pitch outing last time out, his arm was built up and ready, allowing him to attack hitters without glancing toward the bullpen. “It’s such a good feeling,” he said of that freedom, knowing nobody would be warming until much later in the afternoon.
He opened with a dominant stretch, retiring the first eight Giants hitters on only 29 pitches. A broken-bat single from Andrew Knizner interrupted that run, and two more baserunners soon loaded the bases for Willy Adames. With the crowd roaring, Lord stayed collected, pulled the string on a nasty changeup, and got Adames swinging to end the inning. That escape, he said, was a turning point: “Once you get through a situation like that, it kind of feels easier after that.”
The rookie then handled a leadoff double in the fourth without letting Dominic Smith advance past second. Even after Rafael Devers caught him in the sixth with a solo homer on a 3-2 fastball, Lord bounced right back, striking out Smith and Matt Chapman to finish his day on a high note.
Now firmly entrenched in the Washington Nationals’ rotation, Lord has paired consistency with results. His blend of poise, command, and competitive edge has him not only leading in key rookie categories but also putting himself squarely in the conversation for end-of-season hardware. If he keeps pitching like this, the NL Rookie of the Year race might get a lot more interesting very soon.