Will Carroll recommends limiting Stephen Strasburg but not shutting him down - MLB Update
The author of the book “Saving the Pitcher” Will Carroll suggests that if the Washington Nationals keep the innings-limit on Stephen Strasburg intact but do not shut him down, they can use the starter intermittently throughout the post-season. He has clarified
that his repaired right arm will not be vulnerable to another injury for the next few years. Therefore, the argument based on which the Nationals plan to shut Strasburg down is not as strong as the management believes.
Since the beginning of the season, there has been debate about after how many number of innings the Nationals will remove Strasburg. The team officials plan to give Strasburg the similar kind of treatment that they offered to Jordan Zimmermann when the latter
went through the Tommy John surgery.
They hold just the way the idea of innings-limit worked in the case of Zimmermann as is evident from his current numbers in the season, they envision Strasburg performing in the upcoming years in the same way after being accorded special care with regard
to throwing a number of innings.
As per the reports, around 160 innings or 180 will be the threshold limit after which the management has decided to replace some other pitcher and put a halt to Strasburg's expedition in the season. The officials are sticking to their plan even in the face
of severe criticism coming off due to this move.
Many experts are of the view that the Nationals are entering into the crucial phase of the season where the services of Strasburg will be needed. In this context, absence of a quality hurler on the rotation can be costly.
Now as Will Carroll has also stated that the Nationals can impose limit on Strasburg as well as can enjoy his services throughout the season, the criticism will increase. Carroll has recommended that by asking Strasburg throw only occasionally, the Nationals
can use him in those games which are decisive. Furthermore, they can stay in contention all through the season in this way.
Regardless of what Carroll has recommended, the officials have made up their mind and therefore any change in the plan of shutting Strasburg down cannot be expected.
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