Washington Nationals: Stephen Strasburg Looks To Continue Opening Day Success

Strasburg Back On Opening Day Mound

For the first time since 2014, Stephen Strasburg is back on the mound for the Washington Nationals in an Opening Day start. In his prior three Opening Day starts, the 28-year-old right-hander is 2-0, has given up five runs, and has struck out 18 batters in 20 innings. As a team, the Nats are 3-0 in those games.

Of course, Strasburg’s season ended on a sour note last season when he had a he flexor mass strain in his right elbow in the month of September that caused him to miss the postseason. There is excitement to see Strasburg back, but also some intrigue because of the change he’s made in his pitching style.

This spring, Strasburg pitched solely from the stretch, which should help him repeat his mechanics easier. While his numbers this spring weren’t the best (1-2, 6.61 ERA, 14 strikeout in five starts), the most important thing was that he stayed healthy.

Against the Marlins last year, Strasburg only made two starts, but he was dominant. In 14 innings, he gave up three runs, struck out 17 batters, and Miami hitters had a .163 average as he went 2-0 in those starts. The only home run by a Marlins hitter against him last year was Christian Yelich (6-for-27, 10 K’s against him).

Outside of the health, another thing to watch from Strasburg today is how much he uses the slider. Last year, he used that pitch for the first time and had success early on. It can still be a good pitch, but he can still rely on the fastball to reach 97-98 miles per hour at any given point.

Now, let’s take a look at the Marlins Opening Day starter, who is making his second straight Opening Day start, but for a different team