This is potentially horrible news.
Stephen Strasburg has already gone through one Tommy John procedure, and had returned back to being a very productive starting pitcher, playing a large role in the National’s excellent season.
On Wednesday night, though, he walked off the field with a trainer, apparently fighting back tears. It didn’t look good.
Strasburg leaves early. See the pitch that caused it and his final pitch. pic.twitter.com/kvb4F1YMb9
— Mediocre Loader of the Dishwasher (@NatitudeProblem) September 8, 2016
Strasburg's last 2 pitches.
FP: "He's a Tommy John guy, he knows what that feeling's like." @dcsportsbog pic.twitter.com/YlIlbcAJZ9— Mediocre Loader of the Dishwasher (@NatitudeProblem) September 8, 2016
That’s just horrible news. Obviously any speculation is likely premature, and hopefully incorrect, but it’s hard to think anything other than a season-ending injury whenever a pitcher exits the field like that.
Hopefully it’s something more short-term, and Strasburg can be back in the rotation for October.
Not to twist the knife, but this is yet another reminder of the Nationals decision to shut down Strasburg late in the 2012 season, when they looked like World Series favorites. The thought at the time was that by doing so, they’d be preserving the recovering Strasburg’s arm for a long line of future runs. That was certainly questionable thinking at the time, and it’s played out as poorly as possible, with the Nationals rarely looking as good as they did in 2012, and now Strasburg hurt again as they approach the postseason.
Just unfortunate all around. Hopefully it’s not serious.
