Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals relief pitcher Andry Lara (72) throws a pitch against the Detroit Tigers during the seventh inning at Nationals Park. Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images

Washington Nationals Top Prospect Andry Lara Notches Strikeout in MLB Debut

Originally posted on Minor League Baseball on SI
By Sam Connon | Last updated Jul 2, 2025 5:13 PM ET

The front end of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers couldn't have gone much worse for the Washington Nationals.

Detroit racked up six runs in the first inning alone, then built out a 10-0 lead midway through the fourth. It was an 11-2 ballgame by the time the seventh frame rolled around, and Washington just needed to get out of the contest while burning as few pitchers as possible.

That's when the Nationals called upon Andry Lara, 22-year-old righty who was making his MLB debut. A starting pitcher by trade, the No. 16 prospect in Washington's farm system had no problem eating innings down the stretch, to say nothing of his ability to limit any additional damage.

Lara struck out the first batter he faced en route to 3.0 scoreless innings of action. He allowed one hit and zero walks with four strikeouts, providing a singular bright spot to the Nationals in their nine-run loss.

Save that baseball!@Nationals No. 16 prospect Andry Lara strikes out the first Major League batter he faces. pic.twitter.com/o1omL8G3s9
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) July 2, 2025

Lara has made 88 starts and three relief appearances since joining the Nationals' organization as a teenager in 2021. He is 23-35 with a 4.64 ERA, 1.337 WHIP and 8.3 strikeouts per nine innings in his minor league career.

With one major league outing now under his belt, Lara could be used in any number of roles moving forward. DJ Herz and Josiah Gray are still recovering from Tommy John surgery, after all, while relievers Andrew Chafin, Derek Law and Mason Thompson are on the injured list as well.

Game two between the Nationals and Tigers is scheduled for 6:45 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Minor League Baseball on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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