(DETROIT, MI) - The Washington Nationals opened their final road series of the 2026 season with a 9-2 loss to the Detroit Tigers on Monday night. The game marked the long-awaited return of left-handed starter DJ Herz, who made his first Major League appearance after missing the entire season while recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Herz showed flashes of the strikeout ability that made him an important part of Washington’s pitching plans, but Detroit capitalized on scoring opportunities early and the Nationals’ offense could not generate enough sustained pressure.

Left hander DJ Herz returned to the Nationals’ rotation after undergoing Tommy John surgery in April 2025 and spending the 2026 season working his way back through rehabilitation.

In his first outing back with Washington, Herz pitched 4.0 innings and allowed four runs on five hits. He struck out four, walked two, and surrendered one home run.

The left-hander faced 19 Tigers hitters and threw 63 pitches, with 39 going for strikes. While the results were uneven, Herz’s return is a significant development for the Nationals as they evaluate their pitching depth heading into the offseason.

Detroit extended its lead against Nationals reliever Luis Perales, who allowed five earned runs over his appearance.

Perales gave up five hits and two home runs while striking out two batters. He faced 13 hitters and threw 47 pitches, with 26 strikes, as the Tigers built the separation Washington could not overcome.

The Tigers finished the night with 12 hits and nine runs, taking advantage of both the early scoring opportunities against Herz and the later damage against Perales.

One positive for the Nationals bullpen was Josiah Gray, who made his second relief appearance of the season.

Gray worked 2.0 scoreless innings, allowing two hits while striking out one batter. He faced seven hitters and threw 32 pitches, including 18 strikes.

The scoreless outing gave Washington a steady finish on the mound after Detroit’s five-run surge against Perales.

Washington’s offense was limited throughout the game, producing only five hits and going 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position.

The Nationals’ only runs came in the top of the eighth inning, when first baseman Yohandy Morales launched a two-run home run. The blast was Morales’ third home run of the 2026 season and accounted for both Washington runs.

Despite Morales’ late power, the Nationals were unable to mount a larger rally against Detroit pitching.

The 9-2 defeat puts the Nationals behind in their final road series of the 2026 season. Herz’s return from Tommy John surgery remains the biggest takeaway from the opener, even as Washington looks for a stronger offensive showing and more consistent relief work in the remaining games.

Tomorrow night the Washington Nationals will play game two of their three game series against the Tigers with left handed pitcher Jackson Kent who has a 1-4 record and a 6.40 ERA is scheduled to start for the Washington Nationals. Tomorrow’s game, will be the left handers first career start against the Tigers. Kent’s last three outings have all been against playoff teams: The Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres and the Philadelphia Phillies.

Scheduled to get the start for the Tigers is right handed pitcher Drew Anderson who has a 5-6 record and a 3.62 ERA entering tomorrow night’s game.