The Washington Nationals have two games scheduled today: one against the Atlanta Braves and another showcasing top prospects in the SPRING BREAKOUT series. In Grapefruit League play, the Nationals hold a record of 9-9-1. Manager Dave Martinez noted a promising start in the previous game, but the Nats ultimately lost. The fifth starter competition is heating up between DJ Herz and Mitchell Parker, although Herz is managing spring training struggles. Jackson Rutledge, although out of the rotation competition, will serve in a bullpen role today against the Braves.
The spring training wear and tear kind of hits me a little harder. Look at last year, and then look at the years before, my velo's always down in spring training, my command is all over the place. ... Spring training hits me a lot harder than, I would say, most people. And I'm kind of going through that right now. I'm trying to grind through, get through these ones, until my arm is good.
Manager Dave Martinez had a great start to yesterday's game with a CJ Abrams' lead-off single, a Dylan Crews single, then a 3-run blast by James Wood. Unfortunately the Nats' 4-1 lead turned to watch the Rays win 14-4.
Herz pitched yesterday and his velo was down on his fastball, but he also had his best pitching results of Spring Training allowing only 1-run over 3-innings. Herz made it clear he is not pitching with an injury.
A few days ago, Martinez was asked about who would be his fifth starter, which appears to be a competition between DJ Herz and Mitchell Parker at this point.
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