Mike Rizzo tells the Junkies that DJ Herz's MLB debut was 'a big step forward'

It’s time for a Mike Rizzo quotebook!

Wednesday morning at 9 a.m. sharp, as he does every hump day, Rizzo made his weekly appearance with 106.7 The Fan's The Sports Junkies, presented exclusively by our partners at MainStreet Bank — Cheer Local. Bank Local. Put Our Team in Your Office. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

And, in the midst of MLB gambling questions, rings vs. MVPs, and more, he offered these five nuggets on current Nationals and their prospects:

Rizzo on DJ Herz’s MLB debut Tuesday night : “Big step forward for this kid. He’s come pretty fast from when we acquired him, and he’s earned it. He has good stuff, he’s a young 23 as a high school draftee, so he’s just scratching the surface. I like the fact he got his feet wet against a veteran Mets lineup and held his own; he’s learned you have to live in the strike zone.
When he does, he can dominate a game. Strike throwing is a big part of his arsenal, and when he commands the baseball he can do big things. I think this is a big step forward for him and his development.”

Rizzo on Herz’s repertoire : “He has good stuff. He’s got plenty of fastball with movement, a good breaking pitch, and a devastating changeup.
Those three pitches, you blend that in with above-average command, and you have yourself a really good left-handed starting pitcher.

Rizzo on Josiah Gray’s status : “Jojo is going on a rehab assignment, so he’ll begin his climb back to the big leagues.”

Rizzo on Travis Blankenhorn, who has 14 homers in Triple-A : “We’ve had him for a couple years, he’s been with us in the spring for a couple years, and we gave him a look in the Majors last year. He has power from the left side, kind of an all or nothing approach – not quite a Joey Gallo approach, but he’s a power hitter, so he swings hard and looks to drive the ball and hit for some damage – and he’s been driving in some big runs for us while playing some outfield, some first base, and some DH.”

Rizzo on Jacob Young, who is hitting .282 in extended action this year : “He’s developing into a good player for us, and tip of the cap to Gerardo Parra and Darnell Coles for his hitting and his defensive play. I love him in the nine-hole as a second leadoff guy who sets the table for CJ (Abrams) to drive in runs, and when both are on base they create havoc for Lane Thomas and the middle of the order. He’s a developmental success story.”