DJ Herz DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

The Washington Nationals announced on Wednesday that they have moved left-hander DJ Herz (elbow) to the 60-day injured list to make room for right-handed pitching prospect Brad Lord on the major-league roster. Herz is dealing with a sprained UCL in his left elbow and now won't be able to make his 2025 season debut until at least June. Depending on how the 24-year-old southpaw recovers, there's a chance we won't see him at all this year. It's a big blow to the former eighth-round pick of the Chicago Cubs in 2019 after he made his major-league debut in D.C. last year. In his first 19 starts in the majors, Herz went 4-9 with a 4.16 ERA (3.71 FIP) and 1.26 WHIP with 106 strikeouts and 36 walks in 88 2/3 innings. With the possibility of missing most or all of 2025, Herz should only be stashed in deep dynasty/keeper formats.

Nationals left-hander DJ Herz (elbow) will begin the season on the 15-day injured list with a UCL sprain. Herz was optioned to Triple-A Rochester last Friday after dealing with a "dead arm" this spring. He showed a high ceiling with a 10.7 K/9 in 88 2/3 innings with the Nats last year with a 4.16 ERA and 3.71 FIP. This spring, though, his velocity was down, and he managed just four strikeouts in 9 2/3 innings while walking nine and giving up nine runs. Hopefully, this injury explains his issues, and when he recovers, he'll be back to full strength. That could be a while, though, since he'll have to be shut down and then ramp back up. He still has long-term potential, but going on the IL moves any potential impact to later in the season.

Washington Nationals starting pitcher DJ Herz has been optioned to Triple-A Rochester on Friday. An interesting development as the Nats have decided to roll with Mitchell Parker as their fifth starter to begin the season. Herz wasn't great last season, but he did have some solid moments with the Nats. Herz posted a 4.16 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and 106/36 K/BB ratio across 19 starts with the Nats in 2024. Obviously, Herz won't offer fantasy value in the minors, but dynasty managers should continue to hold the southpaw. He does have decent potential and should get another chance in the Nats rotation at some point this upcoming season.