Nationals Injury-Prone Starter Heads Back To IL

Well, so much for that. After making just one start, Washington Nationals' injury-plagued starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg has gone back on the injured list.

Stephen Strasburg will be going back on the IL after reporting discomfort in his bullpen session following Thursday’s start. Davey Martinez said Strasburg went for an MRI today, they’re still waiting for results. Tomorrow’s starter TBD.

— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) June 13, 2022

Strasburg reported discomfort in his Saturday bullpen session after last Thursday's start. 

"Right now, as I said all along, we’re going to be as careful as possible with him and try to do everything right for Stephen and for this organization moving forward. Right now, we’re at those bumpy roads and we'll see what happens." - Dave Martinez on Stephen Strasburg

— Jessica Camerato (@JessicaCamerato) June 13, 2022

Nats manager Dave Martinez said they're "going to be as careful as possible with him and try to do everything right for Stephen and for this organization." 

The former No. 1 overall pick in the June draft in 2009, Strasburg has faced numerous injuries over the course of his 13 years in the majors, and since his career year in 2019, he's pitched in a total of just eight games over the past 2 and a half seasons. 

 He underwent wrist surgery in 2020, and thoracic outlet syndrome surgery in 2021. His start last Thursday was his first since that procedure.

The 33-year-old is in the 3rd year of a 7-year, $245M contract. 

Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports