All the details you need to know about why is Stephen Strasburg not playing for the Washington Nationals.
Stephen Strasburg, the star right-handed pitcher for the Washington Nationals, has not appeared in Major League Baseball (MLB) since June of the previous year, and there is still no schedule for a potential return to the big-league rotation. Recent reports indicate that Strasburg has been advised to refrain from engaging in any form of physical activity and is coping with “severe nerve damage.”
Since winning the Most Valuable Player award in the World Series in 2019, Stephen Strasburg, who will turn 35 in July, has been sidelined by injury concerns. Shortly after that season in which the Nationals won the championship, they agreed to pay him $245 million over the course of seven years to remain with the team through the 2026 season. Strasburg, on the other hand, has been limited to just eight starts and 31 and one-third innings for Washington since then. During that time, he has accumulated an earned run average of 6.89.
In August of 2020, he was diagnosed with carpal tunnel neuritis in the hand he uses for pitching. This was the beginning of his problems. After that, he developed an irritation in my shoulders, which was followed by tension in my neck. Thoracic outlet syndrome is a disorder that can be difficult to diagnose at times and has the potential to destroy the careers of pitchers. In August of 2021, Strasburg had surgery to treat the problem. After that, he experienced a stress reaction in his ribcage, which was followed by a recurrence of thoracic outlet syndrome in March of this year. As a result, his potential for rehabilitation was hindered.
Now, nerve problems have once again hindered his chances to return to the major-league mound, and at this point, it is reasonable to ask whether or not Strasburg will ever throw again. No matter what happens next, he is still obligated to pay the remaining $35 million of his contract for this season, in addition to the total of $105 million that he is entitled for the years 2024 through 2026. Early in his career, Strasburg struggled with arm issues, but he was able to overcome those issues and establish himself as a frontline player for the Nationals. Over the course of parts of 13 seasons, he has compiled a record of 113-62 with an earned run average of 3.24 (127 ERA+) and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 4.37.
In addition to that, he has been selected for the All-Star Game three times and has placed in the top ten of the voting for the Cy Young Award three times. It doesn’t matter how his career comes to an end; he’s had a lot of success throughout it. The Nationals and Stephen Strasburg are holding out hope that the pitcher’s career is not yet done. The most recent information, on the other hand, lends credence to the regrettable likelihood that this is the case.
Stephen Strasburg, one of Major League Baseball’s (MLB) most dominant pitchers, attended San Diego State University (SDSU) before breaking into the professional ranks. His path to the MLB was littered with tremendous accomplishments and lofty goals. Strasburg was born on July 20, 1988, in San Diego, California, to a baseball-loving family. Jim Strasburg, his father, played collegiate baseball at Western Illinois University, fostering a love of the game in his son from a young age.
Strasburg went to West Hills High School in Santee, California, where he became a top pitching prospect. Scouts were drawn to his outstanding talent on the mound, and he was regarded as one of the greatest high school pitchers in the country. Strasburg was picked in the 23rd round of the 2006 MLB draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers after graduating from high school. He chose, however, to continue his study and strengthen his skills in college.
Strasburg enrolled at San Diego State University in 2007, where he played baseball for the Aztecs. His presence on the college baseball scene was felt almost immediately. During his rookie season, he had a 2.43 ERA and 74 strikeouts in 68.1 innings pitched, demonstrating his enormous talent. Strasburg’s sophomore season in 2008 saw him take his skills to the next level. With his blazing fastball, crisp breaking pitches, and superb command, he crushed opposing batters. He concluded the season with a 1.57 ERA and 133 strikeouts in just 97.1 innings pitched. His outstanding performances won him the Mountain West Conference Pitcher of the Year honors.
Strasburg, who had a tremendous undergraduate career, approached his junior season in 2009 with high hopes. He outperformed everyone’s expectations and became a national sensation. His fastball reached triple digit velocities on a regular basis, and his pitching repertoire was practically unhittable. Strasburg struck out 23 batters in a game against the University of Utah in one of his most memorable efforts, setting a new NCAA record for most strikeouts in a single game. Throughout the season, he maintained his dominance, finishing with a 1.32 ERA, 195 strikeouts, and only 19 walks in 109 innings pitched.
Strasburg’s outstanding performance at San Diego State University elevated him to the top of the 2009 MLB draft. The Washington Nationals selected him with the first overall choice, establishing him as the franchise’s face and setting high expectations for his professional career. Strasburg began his minor league career after signing with the Nationals. He quickly ascended the ranks, demonstrating his outstanding talent and ready for the big levels. On June 8, 2010, he made his MLB debut and made an immediate impact, striking out 14 batters in his maiden start.
Strasburg has established himself as one of the game’s top pitchers since his debut. He has won multiple awards for his blistering fastball, destructive breaking pitches, and strong competition. He has been an All-Star several times, won a World Series with the Nationals in 2019, and was awarded World Series MVP. Strasburg has battled injuries throughout his career, including Tommy John surgery in 2010, which momentarily halted his progress. However, he has shown tenacity and come back stronger each time, solidifying his position as one of the game’s most formidable pitchers.
Stephen Strasburg’s rise from San Diego State University to MLB prominence demonstrates his enormous talent, work ethic, and dedication to his trade. His academic accomplishments established the groundwork for an extraordinary professional career, and he continues to be an integral part of the Washington Nationals.
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