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MLB 2017: One X-factor for each team

By Brad Berreman

September 7, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Yasiel Puig (66) runs after he hits a solo home run in the sixth inning against Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sport
September 7, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Yasiel Puig (66) runs after he hits a solo home run in the sixth inning against Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sport /
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Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Washington Nationals: SP Stephen Strasburg

If Strasburg could say healthy for a full season, the Nationals might finally cash in on annual World Series aspirations and expectations. 2016 was no different, with elbow and back issues limiting the former No.1 overall pick to 24 starts.

After setting career-highs in innings (215.0), starts (34) and strikeouts (242) in 2014, and making 30 starts in 2013 as well, Strasburg has been limited to 47 starts over the last two seasons due to various injuries.

Initial concerns about Strasburg’s delivery causing durability issues have come to fruition over the course of his career, and a report from MLB.com in December suggested he will use his slider less often this season. All-together abandoning a pitch that puts extra strain on the forearm and elbow might be the best idea for Strasburg, but that doesn’t appear to be the plan unless the team forces it on him.

The Nationals have a good starting rotation and a talented team, so they will be the favorite to win the NL East. But for anything other than an empty 95-100 win regular season that yields an early playoff exit to happen in 2017, Strasburg has to be healthy enough to make 30-plus regular season starts and then be available at full capacity into the postseason. Anything less will be a disappointment.

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