The questions about when the Washington Nationals would shut down their star pitcher Stephen Strasburg were answered by manager Davey Johnson on Saturday morning.
Nationals beat writer for MASNsports.com Byron Kerr is reporting on Twitter about the organization’s plans for Strasburg:
“Davey just announced Strasburg shutdown effective immediately”
— Byron Kerr (@masnKerr) September 8, 2012
CSNwashington.com beat writer Mark Zuckerman talks about whose call it was and what Johnson said about Strasburg’s season:
“Davey: ‘I made this call.’ Discussed with Rizzo last night, informed Strasburg today.”
— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) September 8, 2012
“Davey: ‘He’s had a great year and I know what he’s going through the last couple weeks. The hype on this thing had been unbearable.'”
— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) September 8, 2012
Washington Post Nationals insider Adam Kilgore is reporting the reason behind the decision, according to Johnson:
“Davey said he sensed ‘from the first pitch’ yesterday that Strasburg was overwhelmed. ‘Now he can get past this.'”
— Adam Kilgore (@AdamKilgoreWP) September 8, 2012
“Davey: ‘I don’t see the ball jumping out of his hand. I don’t see any crispness. This game is 99 percent mental.'”
— Adam Kilgore (@AdamKilgoreWP) September 8, 2012
After recovering from Tommy John surgery that put him on an innings count and would ultimately decide when his season was over to ensure no further damage to the elbow, Strasburg returned to elite form for most of 2012.
The Nationals ace has managed an impressive 15-6 record this season with an even more impressive ERA of 3.16, but Strasburg was forced out of the team’s last game after letting up five runs in three innings.
While some took this as a sign that the organization would further the innings count for the young star, it solidified the club’s decision to stop the season where it was and allow Strasburg ample time to rest his arm and get ready for 2013.
The Nationals are in the midst of a push for the postseason, but the organization is doing the right thing for their young star by shutting him down for the remainder of the season.
Washington will be better off having the star healthy over the next 10 years instead of pushing its luck and ruining the young man’s career.
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