WASHINGTON -- Josiah Gray is heading into the All-Star break having earned a spot in the Midsummer Classic for the first time in his young Major League career. Before going to Seattle for next Tuesday’s contest, Gray made his final start of the first half on Wednesday night at Nationals Park.

“I think my stuff was just a little flat today,” Gray, 25, said.

Gray’s 18th appearance of the year resulted in five runs (three earned) off eight hits (including two home runs), four walks and a hit-by-pitch over five innings in the Nationals’ 9-2 loss to the Reds. He also fanned six, while delivering 55 of his 102 pitches for strikes.

“Sometimes, you’re not going to be on your ‘A’ game and feel your best energy-wise,” he said. “You’ve just got to kind of get through it and keep the team in position to win. I unfortunately didn’t do that today, but when my next start comes around, I’ll make sure that I’m better and prepared for it, just as I am every start."

Gray enters the All-Star break leading the Nats’ starting rotation in ERA (3.41), wins (6), WHIP (1.44) and opponents’ batting average (.253). His ERA is a significant improvement from the 4.40 ERA he posted in the first half of the 2022 season. Notably, Gray has been dominant on the road, where his 2.39 ERA ranks third among all qualified pitchers.

“He’s had some unbelievable growth, he really has,” said manager Dave Martinez. “I'm very proud of him. He’s dealt with a lot of different things, and he goes out there, he steps up -- high-leverage situation, he's able to control his heartbeat a lot better than he did in the past. He stays in the moment, and I love him.”

Only one season removed from leading the Majors with 38 home runs allowed, Gray has held opponents to 14 in the first half.

Gray also has been effective with an expanded arsenal this season. He added a sweeper to his mix, which he has delivered on 81 pitches to a .174 opponents’ batting average.

But Gray is a student of the game, and he isn’t going to rest on the laurels of the first three months of the season.

“I think there’s always a lot more work to be done,” he said.

When he gets ahead in counts, Gray has recorded 52 strikeouts with a .216 opponents’ batting average and a 0.79 WHIP, compared to 17 strikeouts with a .246 opponents’ batting average and 2.45 WHIP when he gets behind.

Where would the Nationals like to see Gray make strides in the second half?

“Location,” said Martinez. “Location of his fastball, getting and staying ahead and finishing hitters off. When he does that, he’s really good.”

By the time Gray makes his next start -- slated for the series in St. Louis out the break -- he will have soaked up knowledge from some of the game’s top pitchers in Seattle. Gray learns from every outing, and his appearance in the All-Star Game presented by Mastercard can provide him with invaluable experience to carry through the rest of the season.

“He’s going to be a good one,” said Martinez. “Regardless of what goes on, he keeps us in the ballgame.”