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Washington Nationals: Grading the starting rotation so far

By Blake Finney

CINCINNATI, OH - MARCH 31: Stephen Strasburg #37 of the Washington Nationals gets a visit from pitching coach Derek Lilliquist in the sixth inning of the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on March 31, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Nationals won 13-7. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - MARCH 31: Stephen Strasburg #37 of the Washington Nationals gets a visit from pitching coach Derek Lilliquist in the sixth inning of the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on March 31, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Nationals won 13-7. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Room to improve for Stephen Strasburg

Many people thought that after a stellar season in 2017, Stephen Strasburg was ready to win the Cy Young award. After all, he did come third in the voting for the award last time around.

So far this season he’s probably been slightly above major league average, which for a lot of pitchers would be fine. He has a 5-3 record, accompanied by a 3.28 ERA and 10.1 K/9, which all look OK on the surface.

But by Strasburg’s lofty standards, he knows he can do better than his current line shows. Thankfully, in May he’s managed to turn things around and is getting back to being the second ace we all love.

In April, Strasburg was allowing far too many HRs with seven bombs in just six starts. This sent his ERA all the way up to 3.63 for the month, which is far from what we’re used to.

But to start off in May, he’s allowed just the one home run in three starts. This leads to a much prettier 2.61 ERA and should set the tone for him in the coming weeks and months.

With a little extra effort in his homework, Strasburg should end up with top marks when all is said and done. But for now, he still needs a few extra classes. B

Washington Nationals. STEPHEN STRASBURG. B. Slow start, but gradually returning to his old self. SP

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