Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg will undergo an MRI, manager Dave Martinez told reporters. Strasburg exited Tuesday’s game against the Atlanta Braves in the second inning with a tight right trapezius muscle which is located in the neck, shoulder and back.
The 32-year old hurler labored from the onset of the game. After walking Ronald Acuna Jr., the first batter he faced, Strasburg was visited at the mound by Martinez and the Nationals head trainer. The velocity on his fastball dipped below 90 miles per hour. However, he remained in the game after the mound visit.
Strasburg tried to loosen up the muscle in between innings but to no avail. Then in the second inning with one out, Strasburg took a comebacker to his left arm. That’s when Martinez gave him the hook despite the right-handed hurler wanting to stay in the game.
He left the game pitching 1 1/3 innings, allowing one run, one hit and yielding two walks on 30 pitches.
In April, Strasburg landed on the injured list with inflammation in his right shoulder after experiencing issues during a start against the St. Louis Cardinals. In that game, his velocity dropped as well.
The Nationals picked up a much-needed win, beating the Braves 11-6. However, the attention quickly shifted to the ailing Strasburg.
