Stephen Strasburg injury could cost the Nationals the division
Stephen Strasburg’s shoulder injury could really cost the Washington Nationals. If he misses any time at all, it could cost the Nats the NL East crown.
The Washington Nationals currently sit atop the NL East standings because of their starting pitching. Unfortunately, the group is starting to falter a bit. If Stephen Strasburg’s latest injury causes him to miss any amount of significant time, it could gift the division crown to the Atlanta Braves.
The talented Nationals starter was lifted after two innings of Friday’s start due to shoulder inflammation. On the bright side, at least this isn’t another elbow issue for Strasburg. He’s missed time on several occasions with issues related to his pitching elbow including a lengthy bout on the DL after Tommy John surgery.
The fact that it’s a shoulder issue this time could mean it will be relatively minor. On the other hand, the fact that he’s been trying to pitch through pain for several starts could be a harbinger of a lengthy time on the shelf. No matter what, the odds greatly favor him at least landing on the 10-day DL and missing a couple of starts.
That won’t end the Nationals’ postseason hopes, but it will dent their hopes of winning the division. Even with their excellent starting pitching to date, they’re still locked in a dogfight with the Braves. At press time, the two teams were tied atop the standings. It’s obvious Washington can’t afford to lose one of their best starting pitchers if they expect to keep pace.
On the plus side for the team, at least they aren’t bereft of other quality starters. Max Scherzer is arguably been the best pitcher in baseball this season. Gio Gonzalez has also had an excellent year. Tanner Roark hasn’t been quite as dominant, but he’s still been well above average.
On the down side, if Strasburg hits the DL he’ll join Jeremy Hellickson there. The latter isn’t expected to miss a ton of time, but replacing two starters in the rotation at once could be challenge for the Nats. At the very least, it’s going to put their pitching depth to the test.
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Given the competitive nature of the NL East race, small roster changes could be enough to swing the division in favor of one team or another. Stephen Strasburg missing time for the Nationals isn’t a small swing. It could easily be enough to cost Washington the NL East crown.