Washington Nationals: Stephen Strasburg could propel team to postseason

The Washington Nationals are currently on the outside looking in as far as the  postseason is concerned. Could Stephen Strasburg’s return change that?

Throughout his time with the Washington Nationals, Stephen Strasburg has dealt with the reputation of being exceptionally injury-prone. Fair or not, that has been the narrative.

2018 has been no different. September is approaching, and Strasburg has made just 15 starts due to various injuries. Although it is far from the only factor, his absence is partially to blame for the Nats’ underwhelming season thus far.

However, Strasburg is back now and the Nats need him more than ever.

Sitting 7.5 games back in the division standings, the Nats have their work cut out for them. They have not been mathematically eliminated, but nearly everyone has written them off. Even the team has begun to wave the white flag, trading Daniel Murphy and Matt Adams within the last week.

But with Strasburg back, the Nats are a much better team. If they are going to go on a historic run and get back into the mix, they need him at his best.

Strasburg’s first start back was not particularly encouraging. He struck out Cesar Hernandez and Rhys Hoskins to begin the game, but things quickly fell apart after that. When all was said and done, Strasburg went just four innings, allowing five runs on seven hits.

To make matters worse, Strasburg’s fastball was topping out at 91 mph at the end of his outing. His changeup typically sits in the lower-nineties.

Although the diminished velocity caused concern over a possible injury, the team has blamed fatigue. Strasburg had made just one start since early-June and returned without a rehab assignment. His first start back was not pretty, but those generally occur in the minors, not against a division rival in a pennant race.

Assuming Strasburg returns to form, he could potentially propel the Nats to a division title. Slim as the Nats’ chances may be, they are not completely out of the race yet.

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Last season, after returning from the disabled list, Strasburg pitched to a 0.86 ERA in ten starts throughout the second half. The Nats should not expect this type of otherworldly performance, but Strasburg can play a large role from here on out.

The Nats have been playing better baseball as of late, winning each of the first two games against the rival Phillies. The offense is clicking on all cylinders and the pitching staff is beginning to get healthy. Strasburg and Kelvin Herrera have been significant upgrades, while Ryan Madson, Sean Doolittle, Jeremy Hellickson, and Joe Ross are progressing towards returning as well.

Add in the fact that the Nats play 10 more games against the Braves and Phillies, and they could make a run. Both the Braves and Phillies are largely unproven and may begin to feel the pressure if the Nats get hot. Despite the standings, the Nats are arguably the most talented team in the division. A historic run may be unlikely, but it is not out of the question.

The Washington Nationals certainly have their work cut out for them; there is no getting around that. But with Stephen Strasburg back on the bump, their chances have drastically improved.