There is “increasing doubt” that Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg will pitch ever again after the former ace got completely shut down from physical activity. The Washington Post’s Jesse Dougherty dropped the bombshell news Saturday.
The 34-year-old Strasburg reportedly is dealing with “severe nerve damage.”
Sunday, Nats manager Dave Martinez acknowledged the grim outlook for Strasburg.
“I know he’s working hard,” Martinez said, per Federal Baseball. “I can’t say exactly what the outcome is going to be, I really can’t. But I know that it’s been frustrating for him, and it’s been an ongoing deal. So for me, I just wish Stephen the best no matter what happens moving forward. I just want him to get healthy.”
Since winning the 2019 World Series MVP, Stephen Strasburg has pitched just 31 1/3 innings over the past four seasons. He first experienced tingling and numbness during the 2020 pandemic-shortened season. Strasburg’s season ended after facing just three batters. He underwent carpal tunnel surgery.
He returned to the team in 2021, believing his issues were behind him. Unfortunately, he pitched 21 1/3 innings before experiencing discomfort in his neck. He had thoracic syndrome surgery.
Strasburg started 2022 on the injured list before making his season debut on June 9. However, he was back on the IL after one start with a stress reaction in his rib related to the thoracic syndrome surgery. Strasburg got shut down for the remainder of the season shortly afterward.
This year, Strasburg missed all of spring training. The Nats place him on the 60-day IL. He’s been mostly away from the team and out of sight. The latest report this weekend laminated how much dire the situation is for the former No. 1 overall pick.
The report states Strasburg continues to feel numbness and discomfort after standing. Not only is there concern about his playing future, but there’s worry about him living a healthy life afterward.
After arguably the best season of his career in 2019, Washington rewarded him with a seven-year, $245 million contract. However, the deal may have signaled the dreadful conclusion of Strasburg’s career.
