The Nationals received hopeful news regarding Strasburg, who left his start in the third inning Wednesday night after feeling a pinch in the back of his elbow.
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Stephen Strasburg has been diagnosed with a strained flexor mass, according to reports.
Strasburg, 28, had Tommy John surgery in September 2010 that forced him to miss most of the 2011 season (he returned for five September starts).
Manager Dusty Baker and director of athletic training Paul Lessard voiced optimism after an MRI did not reveal ligament damage.
Before going on the disabled list, Strasburg allowed 19 runs over three starts, including nine in 1 2/3 innings during a loss to Colorado. Strasburg made his first start since coming off the DL on Wednesday, and it could be his last start in awhile: His elbow was once again in pain, and he exited after just 42 pitches. That’s concerning enough, but it was also Strasburg’s first start since August 17 – five days before he went on the disabled list with elbow soreness.
Earlier this year, the two-time All-Star signed a $175 million, seven-year contract that goes into effect next season. The recovery time for Tommy John surgery is usually around one calendar year, but can range up to two years with complications.
All in all, it has to be considered good news for the Nationals, though there is still uncertainty about Strasburg’s status.
Joe Ross returning would be ideal, but as the Nats’ skipper explained, they can’t rush him back because of what has happened to Strasburg. That’s team protocol for an injury of this kind, which was deemed to have been acute (caused by one pitch) rather than from accumulated wear and tear.
Normally (these injuries) come around very well with treatment and strengthening programs, Lessard said Thursday.
“Everybody’s pretty satisfied of where we are at this point, and it’s very good to know”, Baker said.
Max Scherzer and Tanner Roark will continue to headline the front of the rotation.
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Cole, Giolito and Lopez are, Baker said, going to be pitching deeper into a season than they have before in their careers. “We got that out of there”, Lessard said. “Or is it a better option to have Stephen, or do we not count Stephen out?”
