Washington Nationals ace Stephen Strasburg returned to the mound for the first in over a full year. In his first MLB game in 373 days, Strasburg threw 83 pitches, including 53 strikes. He allowed seven runs off eight hits and a home run while walking two and striking out five.
It was an up and down performance for Strasburg, who was returning from thoracic outlet surgery. The first inning he allowed three runs, three hits and walked a better all after getting two outs.
He settled down and retired nine of the next 11 batters through the fourth inning. But, his struggles returned in the fifth inning, as he was charged for four more runs, including a homer to Jesus Sanchez.
Nationals manager Dave Martinez had a simple explanation, pointing to Strasburgâs pitch selection.
â[Strasburg’s] changeup was nasty. The funny thing is, he didnât use it the first inning, and then he didnât use it again the fifth inning. He understands that heâs got to throw that,â Martinez said to reporters, per Talk Nats.Â
Strasburgâs changeup was working magnificently throughout the game, especially during his hot stretch. It helped him settle down, as he struck out the side in the second. His changeup provided the highlights of his night.Â
While itâs more important that he got through the night healthy and âfelt goodâ it shouldnât be lost that his lack of changeups made his night more difficult.
Strasburgâs pitch selection brings up the interesting decision by Martinez to go with backup Riley Adams over primary catcher Keibert Ruiz.
Martinez cited that Adams has had more communication with Strasburg ahead of his return. The skipper also referenced Adamsâ matchup with Marlins starter Trevor Rogers.Â
Adams went 1-for-2 with a strikeout against Rogers and finished the night 2-for-4.
Martinez hinted at the possibility of pairing Adams and Strasburg moving forward if it worked.
Strasburg admitted after the 7-4 loss, he could have went with the changeup âa little bit more often.â
