Washington Nationals RHP Stephen Strasburg Headed to IL

After missing nearly a year and making his 2022 season debut, Washington Nationals starter Stephen Strasburg will be going back on the IL after feeling discomfort following a bullpen session.

The road back to full health has been a rough one for Washington Nationals right-handed starter Stephen Strasburg in recent years

Strasburg missed nearly a year after receiving surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome in 2021 and has thrown just 31.1 innings since the start of the 2020 season.

Last week, he made his comeback to the mound, but struggled against the Miami Marlins, giving up seven runs in just 4.2 innings of work.

Unfortunately, he and the Nationals received bad news following a recent bullpen as Strasburg reportedly experienced discomfort. As a result, he'll be returning to the Injured List after just one start.

Stephen Strasburg experienced discomfort after throwing his bullpen session on Saturday. He is undergoing an MRI today, and he will be placed on the IL and not start tomorrow.

— Jessica Camerato (@JessicaCamerato) June 13, 2022

In December 2019, coming off the franchise's first World Series championship Strasburg and the Nationals signed a seven-year, $245 million extension.

Strasburg, the 2019 World Series MVP, was more than deserving of the honor and, up until that point, was in the elite category of starting pitchers in MLB.

As we mentioned, since that contract, he's posted a 6.89 ERA in eight starts and has unfortunately dealt with his fair share of injury problems.

Stephen Strasburg was one of the best starting pitchers in MLB for nearly a decade (3x AS, WS champion, WS MVP).

Dec. 2019: Nationals signed Strasburg to a 7-year/$245M contract.

Since then:
• 8 starts
• 31 1/3 IP
• 1-4 record
• 6.89 ERA

He is now going back to the IL.

— Danny Vietti (@DannyVietti) June 13, 2022

A number of pitchers recently have dealt with thoracic outlet syndrome, so this is no out-of-the-ordinary injury. However, the timing of it all has proven to be incredibly unlucky for both Strasburg and the Nationals.

The hope right now is that his MRI comes back with nothing noticeable that could cause a severe setback in his full return to the mound. 

Having a healthy Strasburg on the mound will be a massive help to a team that currently has the worst team ERA (5.32) and opponent batting average (.275) in MLB.

Washington welcomes the Atlanta Braves for a three-game set at Nationals Park starting on Monday.