Washington Nationals News: Strasburg set to throw simulated game

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, MLB.com’s Bill Ladson gives us an update on Stephen Strasburg. According to Ladson, Strasburg continues to progress in his recovery and will throw a simulated game on Friday at PNC Park, where the Nationals will face the Pirates.

For Strasburg, it’s another big step in what has so far been a smooth recovery from the strained left oblique he suffered during his July 4 start. As Ladson notes, the right-hander began his throwing program last week and has since been throwing bullpen sessions, including one today.

While the simulated game is definitely a step in the right direction, Strasburg still has work to do before the Nationals can activate him from the 15-day disabled list. If all goes well with the simulated game, he could start a rehab assignment soon. Hopefully for the Nationals, Strasburg’s recovery will continue to go progress and the right-hander will be back in the rotation sooner, rather than later.

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Also in today’s Daily, the MLB Alumni Association announces the 30 preliminary winners of the 2015 Heart & Hustle Award—an award that honors “active players who demonstrate a passion for the game of baseball and best embody the values, spirit and tradition of the game.” The award is voted on by former players who chose one player from each team.

This year, the winner of the award for the Nationals is shortstop Ian Desmond. As the press statement below notes, Desmond will compete with the other 29 winners for the final award at the end of the season. The award will be voted on by fans, former players and active players. The final winner will be announced November 10.

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.

Stras set to throw sim game in Pittsburgh

(Bill Ladson, MLB.com)

WASHINGTON — Right-hander Stephen Strasburg, who is on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained left oblique, will travel to Pittsburgh with the Nationals on Thursday and throw a simulated game at PNC Park on Friday, according to manager Matt Williams. Strasburg could go on a rehab assignment soon after that.

Strasburg started his throwing program on Thursday following the All-Star break, then had bullpen sessions, including a session on Wednesday.

Strasburg hurt the oblique pitching against the Giants on July 4. He had cruised for 3 2/3 innings, allowing one hit and striking out three. But after inducing a groundout from Buster Posey for the second out of the fourth inning, Strasburg grabbed his left side. He exited the game soon after. Read full article here.

2015 Heart & Hustle Award winners announced

(MLBPAA)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association (MLBPAA) is pleased to announce the 30 preliminary winners of the 2015 Heart & Hustle Award. This esteemed award honors active players who demonstrate a passion for the game of baseball and best embody the values, spirit and tradition of the game. The Heart & Hustle Award is also the only award in Major League Baseball that is voted on by former players.

The MLBPAA formed 30 committees, comprised of Alumni players with established relationships to each team. One player from each Major League team is chosen by the committees based on the passion, desire, and work ethic demonstrated both on and off the field. These players will be recognized prior to an upcoming home game. Read full article here.

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