Nationals’ Dustin Saenz Learns From Struggles
Double-A Harrisburg lefthander Dustin Saenz hasn’t made any tweaks to his changeup since joining the Nationals organization as a fourth-round pick in 2021 out of Texas A&M.
Though the pitch hasn’t changed, his confidence in it has grown considerably.
“I got real good feel for the change back in High-A,” Saenz said. “I started throwing that a lot and it became one of my better pitches off my fastball and slider. That has been a big part of my development this year, and I hope to keep improving that.”
Saenz dominated at High-A Wilmington after struggling there last season. He recorded a 1.97 ERA with 55 strikeouts and 12 walks in 50.1 innings for the Blue Rocks. His final South Atlantic League start came on June 3, a day after his 24th birthday.
The going has been tougher in Double-A, where Saenz had run up a 5.84 ERA through eight starts.
Saenz throws a 90-93 mph four-seam fastball, two-seamer, curveball and changeup. He also has a plus slider.
“He just has to keep growing—refine his repertoire, if you will,” Harrisburg manager Delino DeShields said. “His stuff is there. It’s just about how he uses it at times—his pitch selection, how to attack hitters and that whole thing. All that comes with time.”
In college, the 5-foot-11, 197-pound Saenz worked his way up to Friday night starter as a senior. Though Saenz pitched in relief in four of his five outings at Low-A Fredericksburg in 2021, he knew he’d get a long-term look with the Nationals in the rotation.
“I think they’ve always believed in me as a starter,” Saenz said. “When I first got there, they wanted to limit my innings just because of college. I always planned on starting here.
“Whatever role it takes me now from here on out, I’m going to be the same pitcher that I am and compete the same no matter what. Right now, I’m trying to run with a starting role as much as I can.”
CAPITAL GAINS
— Outfielder Dylan Crews, the No. 2 overall pick in this year’s draft out of Louisiana State, signed for $9 million—the second-largest total this year and in draft history.
“To get into the organization one of the most decorated, accomplished, winning type of players in collegiate history to join the Washington Nationals is a special occasion for us,” general manager Mike Rizzo said.
— Outfielder Daylen Lile took home Low-A Carolina League player of the week honors with Fredericksburg and was promoted to Wilmington. The 20-year-old was hitting .287/.374/.498 through 76 games at the two Class A levels this season.
