Stephen Strasburg Throws 60 Pitch Bullpen Session
May 17, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (37) pitches during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
The Washington Nationals 2012 all-star Stephen Strasburg threw for the second time in two weeks on Friday in a bullpen session. Strasburg was removed from his May 29th start after throwing only 16 pitches against the Cincinnati Reds after feeling some discomfort in his neck and shoulder region.
More from FanSided
- Joe Burrow owes Justin Herbert a thank you note after new contract
- Chiefs gamble at wide receiver could already be biting them back
- Braves-Red Sox start time: Braves rain delay in Boston on July 25
- Yankees: Aaron Boone gives optimistic return date for Aaron Judge
- MLB Rumors: Yankees-Phillies trade showdown, Mariners swoop, India goes to Seattle
Strasburg, who has been on the disabled list since May 30th, has been diagnosed with a strained left trapezius, an upper back muscle where the arm meets the neck. Strasburg has previously dealt with some shoulder stiffness and back problems, so those previous injuries and aggravations could’ve lead to this current injury.
“Once he gets a night’s sleep and gets back here [Saturday] and we see how he feels, then we’ll make another plan from there. No issues throwing today. That’s a positive sign,” Nationals manager Matt Williams told the Washington Post.
Strasburg has really taken this time to work with Nationals pitching coach Steve McCatty. McCatty has said that Strasburg has made vast improvements with his mechanics and hitting his spots while on this short DL stint.
For Strasburg’s fantasy owners, this year has been one filled with disappointment and utter confusion. Strasburg is 3-5 with a 6.55 ERA in only 10 games in 2015. Strasburg was a top fantasy pitcher selected in most 2015 drafts because everyone had slated the Nationals to win the National League pennant, which has caused all Strasburg owners aggravation.
Strasburg is going to return in the next week or so depending on how he feels, which can be a great thing for his fantasy owners, but will he be able to actually produce?
From what the Nationals have stated, it seems like Strasburg has vastly improved, but I am still weary as to how he will actually fare in his return.
I would be looking to move Strasburg elsewhere because he is getting some promising comments in the media, which will make his value increase minimally, but it is better than nothing. Sell him now if you can get a decent return for him, but I would not recommend sticking around for the Strasburg-Experiement of 2015.