Last game out…

Yesterday, the Washington Nationals defeated the Mimi Marlins 14-7. The Nationals scored 14 runs on 14 hits, while the Marlins scored seven on 10 hits and committed three errors. The Nationals improved their spring training record to 3-0 with today’s win.

The Nationals got off to a quick 3-0 start in the top of the first thanks to RBIs from Josh Bell, Alex Call, and a wild pitch from the Marlins starter Edward Cabrera scoring Josh Bell. Bell kicked off the scoring with an RBI single on a line drive to center fielder Derek Hill, scoring red-hot Dylan Crews, who led off the game with a single. Alex Call drove in newly acquired Paul DeJong with an RBI double on a fly ball to right fielder Griffin Conine.

On the mound for the Washington Nationals: LHP DJ Herz

Left-handed pitcher DJ Herz is on the mound for the Washington Nationals to start today’s game. Herz finished the 2024 season with a 4-9 record and an ERA of 4.16, struck out 106, and had a WHIP of 1.26 over 88.2 innings pitched and appearing in 19 games. Herz made his MLB debut last year on June 4, 2024, against the New York Mets at Nationals Park because Trevor Williams landed on the 15-day IL with a right flexor strain. The Nationals acquired Herz from the Chicago Cubs in the Jeimer Candelario trade at the trade deadline of 2023.

DJ Herz showcased impressive form in his final 12 starts, posting a 3.61 ERA and limiting opponents to a .194 batting average. He struck out 65 batters during that span and allowed two earned runs or fewer in 10 of those outings. Notably, on June 15th against Miami, he earned his first MLB win with a dominant 13-strikeout performance, the second-highest by a Nationals rookie and a top-two mark among all MLB rookies in 2024. His 2024 pitch mix primarily featured a four-seam fastball (54.2%), changeup (24.5%), slider (17.9%), and knuckle curve (3.3%).

In his MLB Debut, Herz allowed four runs on seven hits and two walks with three strikeouts. Herz began the game with three scoreless innings, and his first major league strikeout was three-time All-Star Pete Alonso.

Before being called to the Major Leagues, Herz struck out 42 in nine-starts with Triple-A Rochester.

Opposition Research: The Stros

The Astros' Spring Training camp features 66 players, including the 40-man roster and 26 non-roster invitees. The camp breakdown is 34 pitchers, seven catchers, 15 infielders, and 10 outfielders. Offseason additions include free agent Christian Walker (IF) and trade acquisitions Isaac Paredes (IF) and Hayden Wesneski (RHP). Walker, a three-time Gold Glove winner, signed a three-year deal after averaging 32 home runs and 94 RBIs over the past three seasons.

On the mound for the Houston Astros

LHP Framber Valdez will make his 2025 Spring Training debut today against the Washington Nationals. In 2024, Valdez had a record of 15-7 with an ERA of 2.91, 169 strikeouts, a WHIP of 1.11, and pitched 176.1 innings. Valdez gave up 57 earned runs, 140 hits, walked 55, and gave up 13 home runs.