Nationals' Stephen Strasburg leaves start in 2nd inning with neck tightness

Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg left Friday night's start in the second inning after just 16 pitches with tightness in his neck, the Associated Press reported.

Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg left Friday night's start after just 16 pitches with tightness in his neck, the Associated Pressreported. 

Strasburg is scheduled to be reevaluated Saturday morning, although neither he nor Nationals' manager Matt Williams mentioned specific tests, TheWashington Postreported. 

Strasburg was attended to by the team trainer at the mound in the second inning of the Nationals game against the Cincinnati Reds before he exited the game. 

Earlier this month, Strasburg left a start against the Miami Marlins after only three innings. Williams said after that game that Strasburg had some irritation underneath his shoulder blade.

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Strasburg is the first pitcher this season who has recorded fewer than 17 outs in each of six consecutive starts.

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The 26-year-old has 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. 

Cincinnati defeated Washington Friday 5–2.

- Molly Geary and Will Green