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10 struggling MLB stars poised for a second half breakout

By Connor Muldowney

Jul 5, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Seattle Mariners infielder Robinson Cano (22) reacts after flying out to deep right field against the Oakland Athletics in the first inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 5, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Seattle Mariners infielder Robinson Cano (22) reacts after flying out to deep right field against the Oakland Athletics in the first inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 23, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (37) throws to the Philadelphia Phillies during the second inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
May 23, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (37) throws to the Philadelphia Phillies during the second inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

SP. Washington Nationals. Stephen Strasburg. 6. player. 90.

Looking yet again at the Nationals’ starting rotation, Stephen Strasburg is a guy who currently finds himself on the 15-day DL, but will return with a vengeance when he’s healthy.

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    • I think everyone remembers the immense hype Strasburg received when he began his career as a rookie in 2010. The entire league was in shock and awe of the kind of stuff Stephen had in his arsenal and it didn’t take very long for people to dub him a superstar.

    Heck, 17 starts into his big league career, Strasburg was being called the best young pitcher in the league and a serious Cy Young candidate.

    However, as with many young pitchers with multiple off-speed pitches, Strasburg suffered a devastating injury in early-2011 and it turned out he needed Tommy John surgery. That news was tough for him as it seemed like his arm would never be the same.

    Strasburg did come back strong, though, recording a 3.16 ERA or less in each of his next three seasons to go along with a 37-26 overall record during that time.

    The 2015 season hadn’t been kind to the sixth-year pitcher, however, as he had a 5-5 record with a 5.16 ERA and 63 strikeouts in just 61 innings pitched before suffering an oblique injury on July 4 that landed him on the DL.

    When he comes back, he will be tough once again and people will start to see the old Stephen Strasburg again. This kid is just that good.

    Next: 5. Ian Kinsler, 2B, Tigers

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