Steven Strasburg on disabled list; season likely over
The Stephen Strasburg show may be over in D.C. this season as the Nationals' right hander suffered a strained flexor tendon in his right forearm. Strasburg sustained the injury in an 8-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies this past weekend. He will go on the 15-day disabled list, and for precautionary reasons, the Nationals may pull the plug on his season.
This is the second time in the last month that Strasburg has been placed on the DL after experiencing inflammation in his shoulder.
In the Phillies game this past weekend, Strasburg threw a pitch in the fifth inning, with Washington leading 5-1, and winced in pain. Manager Jim Riggleman came to the mound with trainers and took Strasburg out of the game, even though Strasburg wanted to stay in. The Nationals cannot afford for him to risk further injury.
With Strasburg now on the disabled list, his season could be over. There’s no point on him being rushed back in a season that is already lost. The only area that will be affected is in ticket sales, as Strasburg has been the main draw for the Nationals this season. That still gives no reason for him to be rushed back in. The team’s future is in his hands and his career has to be preserved for the long run.
In 12 starts and 68 innings this season, Strasburg is 5-3 with a 2.91 ERA, having struck out 92 batters and walked 17. The Nationals have already stated that Strasburg’s season would be canned after a certain amount of innings work, and now that may come sooner than expected.
Now that Strasburg’s rookie campaign is likely over, we have at least seen what he can do. He appears to be the next big thing in baseball and will only get better with more experience. The league has taken notice and the focus should be for Strasburg to be rested and preserved for next season. Next year, the team will have a full season with Strasburg and possibly the debut of their newest acquired young star in Bryce Harper. Hopefully, next season, things will get a little more exciting in the nation’s capital.
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