Stephen Strasburg making no promises about 2016 return
Three days removed from his latest injury setback, Washington Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg is not ready to commit to another comeback this season.
On Wednesday, Strasburg was forced to leave his start against the Atlanta Braves in the third inning after feeling a pinch in his right elbow. One day later, he was diagnosed with a strained flexor mass, but was given no timetable for a return.
Overall, that was considered very good news as many feared he suffered ligament damage and might ultimately require a second Tommy John surgery. Based on previous pitchers’ recoveries from the same injury, there was even some optimism that Strasburg might return in time for the postseason. Andrew Miller, for example, missed just under one month with the same injury last season. That scenario would have lined Strasburg up for a potential start in the NLDS.
Unfortunately for the Nationals, an ideal scenario doesn’t seem as likely with Strasburg given his injury history. With that in mind, Strasburg elected to keep it real while speaking with the media on Saturday, rather than sparking false hope over a situation that will need time to sort itself out.
Asked if he thinks he will pitch in the postseason, Strasburg said "I can't make that claim." Said has to focus on getting healthy for now.
— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) September 10, 2016
Strasburg did take the first step toward a potential return on Friday. According to reports, he received a platelet-rich plasma shot in hopes that it will help him heal a little faster. However, Strasburg is still planning to have another doctor look at his MRI for a second opinion.
At that point, it’s possible he’ll have an answer regarding his immediate future. Until then, the Nationals will keep rolling with veterans Max Scherzer, Tanner Roark and Gio Gonzalez, along with a trio of young arms in A.J. Cole, Lucas Giolito, and Reynaldo Lopez. It’s a very talented and very deep group, but a pair of aces is obviously better than one.
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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at bigleaguestew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
