Adam Kilgore runs down the results of the tests on Stephen Strasburg’s shoulder and what they may mean:
The phrase Rizzo used is important to note. He didn’t say Strasburg’s MRI was completely clean. He just said it hadn’t changed. So does that mean Strasburg had some wear and tear before he became a professional? I have not had a chance to ask Rizzo about the wording; the syntax didn’t really dawn on me until after his news conference. So “no changes” may have just been the way Rizzo chose to say, “He’s 100 percent fine.”
But we know that Strasburg had inflammation and stiffness before. He dealt with the issue in college at San Diego State. “He’s familiar with this,” one Nats employee said. “He knows what that feeling is like.”
Based on everything I’ve heard from a couple people inside and outside the organization, the stiffness and inflammation are not severe. Rizzo said on ESPN 980 this morning that Strasburg’s shoulder issues are “fairly routine.” He is probably going to be okay in a few days. It would be stunning if Strasburg pitched this weekend, but a normal pitcher, one who isn’t 22 and one of the valuable players in the sport, probably could/would.
The Nationals are going to limit Strasburg’s innings anyway. Better he misses a start or two now and heals than to try to pitch and make it worse. If the Nationals were fighting for a playoff spot, it would be a different story, but this season is a learning experience for Strasburg. There’s no reason to take chances with him.
Posted by David Pinto at 9:33 pm | Injuries, Pitchers | Permalink | 1 Comment
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July 29th, 2010 @ 7:46 am
If Strasburg misses a few starts now, keeps his innings under the team imposed cap, he might still be pitching in September. This could set up some exciting games in September for the Nationals. The Phillies and Braves play the Nationals 6 times each in Sept. and the Mets have at least one series with the Nats. It would be fun to see teams fighting for the playoffs try to face Stasburg. I am sure the NL East is hoping for a speedy recovery.