DJ

Herz

It’s merely a procedural move as Herz is facing an extended absence after being diagnosed earlier this week with a UCL sprain in his left elbow.

It certainly explains Herz’s diminished velocity throughout spring training. The -year-old southpaw was placed on the injured list earlier this week and is likely facing an extended absence. It’s unclear whether he’ll require surgery or will go the rest and rehabilitation route at this juncture. His absence is a definite hit to Washington’s starting pitching depth, but he was going to open the year back at Triple-A Rochester prior to the injury. He can be safely dropped in all re-draft fantasy formats.

There’s no official designation for the move, so we’re assuming that Herz suffered an injury prior to being optioned last week to Triple-A Rochester. There should be some clarity on his status at some point soon.

The Nationals aren’t waiting until the final days of spring training to make major decisions regarding their Opening Day roster, as sending out both Herz and Ogasawara likely means that Mitchell Parker will open the season as the fifth and final starter in the club’s rotation. Nuñez was always a long shot to head north in a reserve role, though he should get a chance with the Nats at some point during the regular season.

He lowered his spring ERA to 6.52. It might be a little too late for Herz to get back into position to win a rotation spot, but it’s still important that he remain next in line if anything opens up. That sixth position is probably between him and Shinnosuke Ogasawara.

Herz hasn’t performed well in any of his three spring starts to date, and his chances of winning a rotation spot have taken a big hit. He’s currently sporting an 8.10 ERA and a 3/7 K/BB in 6 2/3 innings. As things stand now, it figures to be Michael Soroka and Mitchell Parker joining MacKenzie Gore, Jake Irvin and Trevor Williams in the Nationals rotation.

Herz has struggled both times out, and while it’s still really early, his chances of winning a rotation spot might already be dwindling. It’s too bad, because he’s more interesting than the alternatives in D.C.

That the Nationals have been talking up Mitchell Parker this spring doesn’t seem to bode well for Herz making the Opening Day rotation. We’d say Herz is more interesting both now and going forward, but Parker was also pretty solid as a rookie. Herz didn’t really help himself today while walking two and striking out only one.

Although the Nationals would have preferred to cut ties with him one year through his previous two-year deal, Williams was astonishingly successful in his 13 starts last season, going 6-1 with a 2.03 ERA and a 59/18 K/BB over 66 2/3 innings. He missed the other 3 1/2 months with a flexor tendon strain. We’re skeptical that he’ll remain an effective starter, but given the modest price and the Nationals’ lack of pitching depth, the contract makes sense. The move could mean that DJ Herz or Mitchell Parker opens up in the minors, assuming that Michael Soroka and the rest of the rotation options make it through the spring healthy.

The Nats want an extra arm, so Herz, who made his final start Wednesday, won’t get to finish his rookie season on the active roster.