Stephen Strasburg Ready for Sunday Return

Major League Baseball will inch closer to getting one of its most exciting players back tomorrow when Stephen Strasburg takes the mound for the Single-A Hagerstown Suns to begin his Minor League rehab assignment.

Selected by the Nationals as the first overall pick in the 2009 amateur draft, the phenom tore through the minors last season before making his Major League debut in his first professional season.

Strasburg last pitched in a meaningful game nearly a year ago.  After experiencing a solid opening to his career, Strasburg’s season was cut short and the 23 year old ultimately required Tommy John Surgery last September.

Club officials weren’t sure how long Strasburg would be sidelined and knew that there was a chance he could miss the entire 2011 season because of the injury.

But after a strenuous rehab program, Strasburg is to the point where it appears he’ll be able to rejoin the Nationals before the end of the season.

After pitching in a simulated game and throwing a successful side session this week, Strasburg is set to begin his Minor League assignment.  The right hander is expected to log only an inning or two during his first start Sunday.  Washington anticipates Strasburg needing only 4 games in the minors before joining the big league club in September.

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