Last month, Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg revealed he was unsure about his future following his latest injury. Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said Strasburg’s status for the 2023 season is “a mystery” on Tuesday.
“It’s still a little bit of a mystery,” Rizzo said of Strasburg, according to Associated Press. “I know that he’s working hard strengthening his core and the other parts of his body. We’re just going to have to see. With the type of surgery and rehab that he’s had, it’s unfamiliar to us. It’s unfamiliar to a lot of people. We’re going to have to take it day by day.”
Strasburg, 34, made one start this season on June 9. The Nationals shut the right-handed hurler down for the season. Strasburg made eight starts over the last three seasons due to multiple injuries.
In 2020, Strasburg’s season was over after facing three batters in his second start. He was diagnosed with nerve damage in his pitching hand. Last season, he made five starts before undergoing thoracic outlet syndrome surgery.
The stress reaction in his ribs that shut him down this season is related to last year’s surgery.
Strasburg has been through a list of injuries throughout his professional career. The list included Tommy John surgery in 2010. But all seemed behind him when he helped lead the Nationals to the franchise’s first World Series championship in 2019. He was named World Series MVP.
Strasburg inked a seven-year, $245 million contract to remain with the Nationals the following winter. However, he has made just eight starts since, making his magical 2019 seem more like the peak of his career.
In September, Strasburg admitted to Jesse Dougherty of the Washington Post, he realizes the end may be near.
“I realize the clock is ticking. It’s been almost three years since I’ve been able to pitch competitively and it’s not like I’m getting younger,” Strasburg said.
Rizzo added that Strasburg will remain local as he rehabs. Thus, the Nationals will be able to monitor any progress. The club will re-evaluate the situation by spring training.
