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Washington Nationals News: Stephen Strasburg relying more on slider, and it’s working

By Pablo Roa

May 24, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (37) pitches during the first inning against the New York Mets at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
May 24, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (37) pitches during the first inning against the New York Mets at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Today’s District Daily features stories on Stephen Strasburg’s use of his slider in 2016 and Washington Nationals prospect Taylor Jordan undergoing his second Tommy John Surgery.

Good evening DoD readers, and welcome to today’s District Daily. Get caught up on the latest Nats news and opinions with some great Washington Nationals articles from around the web below.

In today’s Daily, the Washington Post’s James Wagner discusses Stephen Strasburg’s use of the slider this season. As Wagner notes, Strasburg has been using it more often in 2016, and the addition to his arsenal has already rewarded the right-hander.

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As Wagner notes, Strasburg is using his slider far more this season than he has over the last two years. The right-hander has seen great success with the pitch, and it’s one of the reasons why he’s been one of the best pitchers in the National League this season.

Here’s what manager Dusty Baker had to say about Strasburg’s use of the slider, via Wagner’s article:

"“It all depends on how much confidence he has in that pitch,” Nationals Manager Dusty Baker said. “A lot of guys can’t throw the slider and curveball without it morphing into a slurve. As long as it doesn’t bother his arm.”"

Also in today’s Daily, the Post’s Chelsea Janes discusses Nationals minor leaguer Taylor Jordan undergoing Tommy John Surgery earlier this week. As Janes notes, it’s the second time Jordan has undergone the procedure.

Be sure to check out both articles below, they’re definitely worth a read. And as always, stay tuned to DoD for all your Washington Nationals needs.

Stephen Strasburg is going to his slider more — and it’s working out well

(James Wagner, Washington Post)

Stephen Strasburg has been one of the best starters in the National League this season. His 2.79 ERA is 17th in the NL, while his batting average against and walks-and-hits-per-inning are both in the top 15. The Nationals have won a team-record 14 straight games started by Strasburg dating back to last season He is averaging 6.8 innings per start, by far the highest of his career.

Strasburg is continuing the dominance he showed when healthy in the second half of last season. Strasburg, however, is a slightly different pitcher — at least in terms of his pitch selection. Although he tried incorporating a slider two years ago before scrapping it, he is using it more than ever this season. Read full article here.

Taylor Jordan undergoes second Tommy John surgery

(Chelsea Janes, Washington Post)

Right-handed starter Taylor Jordan, most recently of Class AAA Syracuse, underwent successful Tommy John surgery Thursday. Dr. James Andrews performed the procedure, Jordan’s second such procedure in five years.

Jordan is 27 years old and made the Nationals rotation out of spring training to begin the 2014 season, but struggled in five starts and returned to the minors before being shut down with more elbow trouble. A strong candidate for spot starts over the last two seasons, Jordan’s progress seemed to stall during that time. In four appearances in the majors last season, Jordan allowed 20 hits in 17 innings and pitched to a 5.29 ERA. Read full article here.

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