Nationals place P Stephen Strasburg on DL with neck tightness

The Washington Nationals have placed pitcher Stephen Strasburg on the 15-day disabled list with neck tightness

The Washington Nationals have placed pitcher Stephen Strasburg on the 15-day disabled list with neck tightness, the team announced on Saturday. 

Strasburg left his Friday night start in the second inning after just 16 pitches due to tightness in his neck.

It was the second time in May that Strasburg left a game early because of discomfort. Earlier this month, he left a start after three innings after experiencing irritation underneath his shoulder blade.

The 26-year-old did not pitched more than five innings in a start in May and has only reached the fourth inning in one of his last four starts. 

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Strasburg is 3–5 with a 6.55 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 45 1/3 innings this season. Last year he led the National League in both games started (34) and strikeouts (242).

To replace Strasburg on the roster, the Nationals recalled right-handed pitcher Taylor Hill from Triple A Syracuse.

- Molly Geary