The results of Monday’s MRI results are in for Nationals right-handed pitcher Stephen Strasburg, and it’s not good. Strasburg has been placed on the 15-day injured list with a stress reaction of the ribs. Strasburg’s IL placement is retroactive to June 11.
Nationals manager Dave Martinez said the injury is related to Strasburg’s thoracic outlet surgery that sidelined him for the first two months of the season, according to MASN’s Mark Zuckerman. Strasburg will meet specialist Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles to determine the next course of action.
Last week, Strasburg made his first MLB start since June 3, 2021 after undergoing thoracic outlet surgery. He lasted 4 ⅔ innings against the Miami Marlins, as he allowed seven runs off eight hits with two walks. He also struck out five.
Strasburg “felt good” after the start. However, he felt discomfort during a bullpen session on Saturday. Martinez announced on Monday, Strasburg was going back on the IL with his official diagnosis pending MRI results.
Now the struggling Nationals are without their ace once again. The 33-year old Strasburg has been unable to stay on the field over the past three seasons.
His seasons were cut short in 2020 and 2021. Last week’s start against the Marlins was just his eighth since winning the 2019 World Series MVP.
