Stephen Strasburg returned to the Washington Nationals last Thursday after missing almost a year. Less than a week later, he’s going back on the IR, the team announced Monday.
Nationals manager Dave Martinez said on Monday that Strasburg experienced discomfort on Sunday after throwing in a bullpen session on Saturday. He added that the pitcher was set to have an MRI.
The 33-year-old had been scheduled to start Tuesday against the Atlanta Braves.
Strasburg allowed seven runs, eight hits, and two walks in 4 and 2/3 innings against the Miami Marlins last Thursday. The right-hander struck out five and averaged 91.9 mph on his fastball.
It was the first time the three-time All-Star and 2019 World Series MVP pitched in the big leagues since June 1, 2021. He has since been recovering from a July 2021 surgery to correct thoracic outlet syndrome, including three minor league starts.
The former No. 1 pick signed a seven-year, $245 million extension in December 2019 but has only made eight MLB starts since then. Strasburg is 113-62 with a 3.24 ERA over his big league career.
While we wait to find out what’s next for Strasburg, the MLB world had some strong reactions to the news that his short-lived return to the big leagues is over for now.
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) June 13, 2022
Hoo, boy: https://t.co/LAr75JCDDn
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) June 13, 2022
This is a shame. https://t.co/CkCOwQGN7F
— The Good Phight (@TheGoodPhight) June 13, 2022
Insert Grandpa Simpson gif. https://t.co/GOBP5fSbos
— David Fucillo (@davidfucillo) June 13, 2022
This shocking news on Stephen Strasburg. Back to the IL. He earns $35 million a year, and it looked promising for his start tomorrow. https://t.co/AipCl9jKIz
— Talk Nats (@TalkNats) June 13, 2022
Sad. One of the best to watch pitch when healthy. https://t.co/FzuHxF9PxB
— Pete Gilbert (@WBALPete) June 13, 2022