Parker allowed four runs on six hits and four walks while striking out five batters over 3.1 innings in a no-decision in Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader with Pittsburgh. Parker fell behind quickly in the contest, allowing a pair of runs in the first inning and another in the second. He was able to get through a scoreless third but was pulled in the fourth after allowing the first two batters he faced to reach base (he was credited with one out when Alika Williams was thrown out trying to score on a double). Overall, Parker threw just 46 of 78 pitches for strikes and tied a season high with four free passes. This marks the third time across his past five starts that he's failed to complete more than four frames.
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Parker allowed four runs on six hits and four walks while striking out five batters over 3.1 innings in a no-decision in Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader with Pittsburgh. Parker fell behind quickly in the contest, allowing a pair of runs in the first inning and another in the second. He was able to get through a scoreless third but was pulled in the fourth after allowing the first two batters he faced to reach base (he was credited with one out when Alika Williams was thrown out trying to score on a double). Overall, Parker threw just 46 of 78 pitches for strikes and tied a season high with four free passes. This marks the third time across his past five starts that he's failed to complete more than four frames.
Finnegan notched a save in each game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Pirates, allowing one run on three hits and a walk in Game 1 and pitching a perfect frame with two strikeouts in Game 2. Finnegan struggled a bit in the matinee, allowing four of the first five batters he faced to reach base to allow a run to cross the plate and load the bases with one out. He was able to escape the jam, however, by getting Bryan De La Cruz to ground into a game-ending double play. Finnegan tossed 23 pitches in that outing, but that didn't stop Nationals manager Dave Martinez from going to him again with the team up by two runs in the ninth inning of the nightcap. This time Finnegan got the job done with ease, retiring the side in order on 19 pitches. With the pair of saves, Finnegan is up to 36 on the season, third most in the majors.
Herz (3-7) earned the win over Pittsburgh in the first game of Saturday's doubleheader, issuing three walks and striking out five batters over five hitless and scoreless innings. Herz walked one batter in each of his first three frames, but each was with two outs, and none of those batters reached second base. The rookie left-hander finished his outing by retiring the final seven hitters he faced, with four going down on strikeouts. A no-hitter was never really feasible for Herz since he needed 87 pitches to get through five innings, but some fantasy managers may be a little disappointed that he wasn't allowed to remain in the game for the sixth to try for a quality start. Regardless, this was an impressive performance by the 23-year-old, who has more than held his own in his first major-league campaign with a 3.82 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 93:29 K:BB over 75.1 frames.
Young is out of the lineup for the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Pirates. Young went 0-for-4 in the matinee against Pittsburgh and will get Game 2 off to clear his head. The contest marks the first time since July 31 that Young hasn't been part of the Nationals' starting nine. Dylan Crews will shift over to center field in place of Young.
Herz will not start Friday against the Pirates as the game has been postponed due to inclement weather. Friday's game will be made up Saturday as part of a double-header, and Herz will likely pitch in the first game. He's 2-7 across 15 starts this season with a 4.09 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 88:26 K:BB across 70.1 innings.
The Nationals claimed Rucker off waivers Friday and optioned him to Triple-A Rochester. The right-hander was designated for assignment by the Phillies on Wednesday, and he'll stick in the NL East after being claimed off waivers. Rucker hasn't pitched in the majors this season and has struggled at the Triple-A level with a 7.36 ERA across 22 innings, though he was a solid bullpen piece for the Cubs in 2022 with a 3.95 ERA in 41 appearances.
Irvin (9-12) was saddled with the loss Thursday, allowing six runs on seven hits and three walks over five innings against the Pirates. He struck out four. Irvin was staked to an early three-run lead but gave up a five spot in the second as he allowed three walks and four singles as the Pirates sent 10 men to the plate. It was the second-consecutive outing Irvin allowed 10 batters to reach base while allowing 13 runs over 9.2 innings during his last two starts, raising his ERA nearly a half run from 3.80 to 4.28. Irvin will look to pull things back together during his next start, currently slated to take place in a home matchup against Atlanta.
Gallo isn't in the Nationals' lineup for Thursday's game against the Pirates. Gallo will take a seat for Thursday's series opener after going 0-for-4 with a strikeout in Wednesday's loss to the Marlins. Juan Yepez will start at first base instead and bat third.