Davey Johnson discusses innings limit of the ace Stephen Strasburg - MLB Update
The Washington Nationals’ ace Stephen Strasburg was roughed up in the last game. In light of this, the Nationals’ manager Davey Johnson has discussed the possibility of enforcing the 160-innings pitch limit for him.
Before the start of the season, the Nationals’ management gave signals that they will not let Strasburg throw more than a certain innings limit so that the starter can have a bright and safer future ahead.
The narrative in the organisation relates to the injury-prone shoulder of the ace Strasburg. Tommy John surgery that the starter has had, made the team officials to give him special care. Therefore, the debate about his innings limit has surfaced.
So far in the season, Strasburg has not given any indication which can confirm that he may suffer an injury late in the season. He has performed exceptionally well this year. Apart from this, he is one of the All-star pitchers from the National League in
the season.
The Nationals currently hold first position on the National League East Division table. One of the greatest contributions for this success has come from Strasburg. The consistency with which he has produced strike-outs for the team has been of great help
to the Nationals.
Whenever there was ever a slightest fall in the performance of the team, Strasburg came to the rescue and recorded timely victories.
Right now, the manager Johnson has shown serious intent about shutting down the starter and announcing his replacement. The manager cites the reference of Jordan Zimmermann and explains how he helped the club after being accorded the special care following
the Tommy John surgery by him.
"One of my rules of managing is I try to do what's best today with an eye on tomorrow," Johnson said. "What's best for Strasburg is looking ahead in his future. And if all the reports that I get is the best thing we can do is after 160 innings shut him down
-- that's what we did with Jordan Zimmerman last year, although we were in third place. (It's) a little different this year. But you do what's best for the player, not only for today but for the long haul."
Strasburg is not far from completing the stated limit of 160-innings in the season. Therefore, it can be expected that the management has started exploring options to replace him.
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