The Nationals' pitching staff is undergoing a transformation, with a focus on swing-and-miss arms and a rotation that's settling into a pattern. DJ Herz, a left-handed pitcher, is making a comeback after Tommy John surgery, with his first game action in nearly two years. This marks the beginning of a month-long buildup, as Herz was acquired from the Cubs in a trade for Jeimer Candelario. Herz's return is significant, as he posted a solid 4.16 ERA and struck out nearly 28% of batters faced as a rookie. The Nationals' rotation is currently in the middle of the pack in strikeout rate, but they're struggling with a 4.59 earned run average, largely due to a high home run rate. The team has been using openers to manage this, and while the rotation has been stable, the loss of Jake Irvin to a shoulder strain in late May caused a shift in strategy.
Andrew Alvarez, a 26-year-old left-hander, has taken on the role of a starter. He made his first start of the season on Wednesday, working 4 2/3 innings of one-run ball against the Marlins. Alvarez, who only sits in the low-90s, has recorded a 27% strikeout rate over 20 1/3 big league innings this year. His slider and curveball are key to his success, compensating for his mediocre fastball. Manager Blake Butera confirms that the rotation is set for now, with Mitchell Parker and Brad Lord serving as long relievers, despite holding rotation spots in 2025. Riley Cornelio, a rookie right-hander, is also in a multi-inning relief role, despite working as a starter in Triple-A.
The Nationals' position players have remained relatively stable, with the same 13-man hitting group since mid-May. Brady House and Joey Wiemer were optioned to recall Dylan Crews and Andrés Chaparro. Curtis Mead, acquired from the White Sox, has seized the third base job, hitting .247/.356/.487 with nine home runs through 180 trips to the dish. Mead's performance has elevated him to the middle of the lineup, with Luis García Jr. as the primary first baseman. García's bat picked up in May after a rough April, and he has plenty of second base experience, though he seems to have moved off that position.
The Nationals' farm system is also seeing some action. Abimelec Ortiz, one of five prospects acquired from Texas in the MacKenzie Gore deal, has 10 home runs with a .263/.361/.514 line in Rochester. However, Spencer Nusbaum of The Athletic suggests that the Nationals are unlikely to call him up until after the All-Star Break, indicating their content with García's performance as an everyday first baseman. The team's struggles at the keystone are evident, with Nasim Nuñez and Jorbit Vivas combining to hit .185/.279/.208, while Mead and José Tena have had a few scattered at-bats.
In summary, the Nationals' pitching staff is in a state of flux, with Herz and Alvarez leading the charge, while the position players, particularly Mead and García, are contributing to the team's offensive production. The farm system is also providing talent, but the team's strategy and roster moves suggest a focus on stability and a gradual rebuild.
