Stephen Strasburg Scratched From Tonight’s Start Against Phillies

Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Nationals have scratched pitcher Stephen Strasburg from his scheduled start Friday night due to tightness in the top side of his forearm. Veteran pitcher Ross Ohlendorf will now make the start against the Philadelphia Phillies as the Nats will open their final homestand of the season.

Strasburg visited with team doctor Wiemi Douoguih, who instructed the pitcher to rest and take medication for the soreness. Manager Davey Johnson said the soreness is in Strasburg’s muscle and is in no way related to his past Tommy John surgery. The team expects Strasburg to make his next scheduled start Sept. 19 against the Miami Marlins.

Strasburg’s dominated the Phillies this season to the tune of a 2-0 record and 0.39 ERA in three starts. He also recorded his first career complete game against them on Aug. 11.

This is a tough break with the Nats clinging to life in the NL Wildcard race and needing to win almost every game from here on out if their postseason dreams are to become a reality.

Looking on the bright side the ace is expected to make his next scheduled start, but I’m not really sure how much stock we can put into any timetables given by the team when it comes to injury related projections. Stay tuned Nats fans!