Washington Nationals left-hander DJ Herz took the mound Tuesday night for his first rehab assignment above the Rookie level.
Herz, 25, threw 2 2/3 innings for the Single-A FredNats against the Salem RidgeYaks in Fredericksburg, Virginia. He allowed one run on four hits, struck out three and did not issue a walk while throwing 29 of 38 pitches for strikes.
The outing came 17 months after Tommy John surgery in April 2025. Herz had already made two scoreless starts in the Florida Complex League this month.
Manager Blake Butera said Herz has been eager to return and described early reviews of his recovery as positive. The Nationals have not set a timetable for Herz to rejoin the major league roster.
Herz expects to make at least two or three more starts in Fredericksburg before moving to Double-A Harrisburg.