Fansided

In return from DL, Stephen Strasburg leaves game with injury

By Phillip Barnard

Aug 17, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (37) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 17, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (37) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nationals starter Stephen Strasburg made his return from the DL on Wednesday night, but had to leave after just 42 pitches.

It was supposed to be a good night for Nationals starter Stephen Strasburg. He’s been on the disabled list since mid-August, and was activated in time for Wednesday night’s showdown with the Atlanta Braves. But his return would last all of 42 pitches.

Things were looking solid for the All-Star pitcher until the third inning. After a wild pitch that resulted in the strikeout of pitcher Mike Foltynewicz, Strasburg appeared to be in pain. This would bring the pitching coach and athletic trainer to the mound to check on his elbow. After a brief discussion, he would depart with a 1-0 lead.

As noted, he breezed through the opening frame. He only needed 14 pitches to retire the side. His fastball clocked in at 97 MPH and he had almost similar velocity with a 91 MPH changeup.

Strasburg was placed on the 15-day disabled list last month, but the team was reassured it was simply a precautionary measure. In a season that has included two previous trips to the DL already, he’s put up a 3.59 ERA with 179 strikeouts and 44 walks in 145 innings.

The Nationals rarely discuss injuries during the course of the game, so fans would have to wait until after the game to find out the specifics. It has the team holding their breath, as they inked him to a seven-year, $175 million deal.

Strasburg had Tommy John surgery back in 2010, costing him a year of action. In 2012, The Nationals decided to shut him down in mid-September. But his final start of the year was a rough one, and he would miss the postseason. The Nationals would go on to drop the NLDS to the St. Louis Cardinals.

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Entering Wednesday night’s game, Washington was holding an eight-game lead over the Mets in the NL East, but an injury to Strasburg could be lethal in terms of their postseason plans. Especially with teams like the Cubs ready to devour any weaknesses a team has heading into October.

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