Nationals Option Pitchers, Herz Returns, Littell Debuts

The Washington Nationals made significant moves in their starting rotation during spring training. Left-handers Mitchell Parker and Andrew Alvarez were optioned to Triple-A Rochester, while DJ Herz threw off the mound for the first time since his Tommy John surgery. Zack Littell made his first start in a Nationals uniform. The team added starters like Foster Griffin, Miles Mikolas, and Littell, crowding the depth chart. Manager Blake Butera praised Parker and Alvarez, expecting them to dominate in the minors and force their way back up. DJ Herz, who had been rehabbing, returned to the mound, and the team might use Brad Lord for a long-relief role. These moves indicate the Nationals building depth and providing clear paths for young arms to contribute this season. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/4bab849eb6eb1c76