Washington Nationals: Stephen Strasburg’s season is over
By David Hill
The Washington Nationals had been hoping that Stephen Strasburg would be able to return at some point this season. He had begun throwing, only to stop when he felt discomfort in his neck. That throwing program continued to start and stop, with Strasburg suffering from numerous setbacks.
On Tuesday, the Nationals received news on Strasburg’s health. He is set to undergo surgery for neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome, ending his season.
Stephen Strasburg will undergo surgery tomorrow for neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome, according to Dave Martinez. Strasburg’s season is over and the hope is that he’ll be ready for spring training next February.
— Jesse Dougherty (@dougherty_jesse) July 27, 2021
Washington Nationals finally have answer on Stephen Strasburg
As the Nationals had continued to hope to make a run at postseason contention, Strasburg was a key part of their plans. However, not only did the roster continue to languish and struggle to find any consistency, but Strasburg only lasted for 21.2 innings this season.
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This marks a second consecutive year that has been cut short by surgery. Strasburg had undergone surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome last year, making just one start which lasted five innings. In fact, he has pitched a combined 26.2 innings since signing his seven year, $245 million extension after the 2019 campaign.
Strasburg now becomes a major question mark for the Nationals moving forward. While there have been some success stories from this procedure, that percentage is still relatively low. The Nationals need him to return to the form he had displayed in the past if they are going to return to contention in 2022.
When healthy, Strasburg had established himself as one of the top pitchers in the game. While he will inevitably miss a month or so each season, he has been exactly what the Nationals hoped for when on the mound. From 2012 through 2019, he had posted a 3.21 ERA and a 1.093 WHiP over his 1346.2 innings, striking out 1579 batters with just 358 walks.
However, by the time that the start of the 2022 season comes around, it will be two full seasons since Strasburg has been healthy. His procedure for neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome clouds his future even further. While the Nationals have clarity as to his situation, this was not the news they had been hoping for.
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The Washington Nationals finally have an answer on Stephen Strasburg. He is done for the 2021 season, and his future is in question.