Stephen Strasburg‘s day could have gone better. Perhaps a better performance on the mound and less Icy Hot on his testicles would have helped. 

Nobody is perfect. That includes Nationals’ ace Stephen Strasburg and the alleged prankster that put something hot where it doesn’t belong. 

Oh, I know that you must have a ton of questions after a statement like that. All in good time. 

The Nationals dropped a game to the Padres on Tuesday. Losing to San Diego is embarrassment enough, but the Nats found a new way to make headlines. 

Consider this tweet from the Washington Post’s Adam Kilgore.

 

Thankfully, we have a few more details on the biggest mystery of the day. CSN Washington’s Mark Zuckerman offers this in a tweet.

 

Strasburg had a dominant 1.64 ERA coming into the game and left with a 2.25 ERA. Through four innings, the young ace allowed seven hits and four earned runs. 

In short and simple terms, he wasn’t himself. 

Having a foreign substance that can leave a burning sensation in the most delicate of places might do that. 

I’m all for pranks and leaving itching powder, Icy Hot or something else on the man’s jockstrap, if that is indeed what happened, but there is a time and place. 

If you want a specific time, I don’t have one. I would think anytime other than his turn in the rotation would be a good idea. 

The think tank they have over in Washington is just brilliant. Watch out, Bryce Harper, because you’re next. 

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