Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg was forced to leave Friday’s game against the Atlanta Braves with an undisclosed injury, according to ESPN senior baseball analyst Jim Bowden via Twitter:
UPDATE: Saturday, June 1, 1:09 p.m. ET by Kyle Vassalo
CBS’ Jon Heyman says Strasburg is still hopeful he will be good to go for his next start:
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UPDATE: Friday, May 31, 10:55 p.m. ET by Ian Hanford
Washington Post reporter Adam Kilgore announced that Strasburg has a strained oblique:
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UPDATE: Friday, May 31, at 9:30 p.m. ET by Ian Hanford
Washington Post reporter Adam Kilgore announced that Strasburg injured his back Friday night:
—End of update—
Strasburg, who reportedly looked “uncomfortable” early on, was pulled from the mound after just two innings pitched, according to the Washington Post‘s Adam Kilgore.
The 24-year-old struck out two Braves batters, but he also gave up a home run to Freddie Freeman in the second inning before exiting the game.
Strasburg, who will turn 25 this July, has started 12 games for the Nationals this season, boasting a disappointing 3-5 record to start the year. A lack of run support from Washington’s bats has been a huge reason for the sluggish start, however.
The talented 6’4″, 220-pound ace lost five straight starts between April 7 and May 11 following a 1-0 start to the year. He went 2-1 in the month of May overall.
Strasburg sports a 2.54 ERA and 1.06 WHIP through the first two months of the season.
The San Diego native has played four seasons in Washington, excelling last season for the National League East division champions. He started 28 games and posted a 15-6 record with a 3.16 ERA. Strasburg did not pitch for Washington in the postseason, though, after being shut down by manager Davey Johnson in early September.
An All-Star in 2012, Strasburg is 24-15 for his career with a 2.84 ERA and 1.08 WHIP.
The Nationals were 27-27 heading into Friday night’s series opener with the Braves, who currently lead the NL East heading into June.
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