As the Washington Nationals prepare for Thursday’s Opening Day, a group of players are rehabbing and will open the season on the injured list. That group included ace Stephen Strasburg, who the Nationals placed on the 10-day injured list Thursday.
The Nationals also placed infielder Ehire Adrianza on the 10-day IL with a left quad strain. Meanwhile, both right-handed pitchers Seth Romero (left calf strain) and Will Harris (pectoral surgery) were placed on the 60-day injured list.
For Strasburg his placement on the IL is retroactive to April 4. He’ll be eligible for April 14, but realistically he would step on an MLB mound until May or June.
The 2019 World Series MVP is dealing with a neck injury. He underwent surgery last July to alleviate neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome.
On Wednesday, Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo told 106.7 the Fan’s The Sports Junkies, Strasburg has a “possibility” to return on May 1. But made it clear there’s no official timeline for his return.
Later that evening, manager Davey Martinez said Washington is waiting for Strasburg to be 100% healthy.
“So that when he is back, he’s back, and we’ll take it for as long as we can possibily take it with him,” Martinez said.
Strasburg’s career has been mixed with great performances on the mound and extended stints injured. That includes him having Tommy John surgery in 2010 which led to the infamous shut down of 2012 during the playoffs.
Through the years, he’s battled through other numerous injuries. But, it all came to a head and was forgotten with his unbelievable playoff performance in 2019. He helped steer the Nationals to a World Series championship.
Stephen Strasburg cashed in following the title run and signed a seven-year, $245 million deal. He’s started just seven games over the two seasons since he inked the deal.
A nerve issue in his pitching hand shut him down after two starts in 2020. He returned in 2021 but after five starts he was shut down again and opted for surgery.
When he returns Strasburg will join a rotation that doesn’t feature Max Scherzer for the first time in eight years. Patrick Corbin will be on the bump as the Opening Day starter. Behind him are the young arms of Josiah Gray and Joan Adon.
Despite the long-term deal, Strasburg is more of a bridge to the future for the Nationals. He’ll be 34 years old in July. While he has five years remaining on his contract, it’s a huge question how much good pitching is left in the embattled pitcher’s career.
