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Washington Nationals: Stephen Strasburg return a huge boost to rotation

By Steven Helms

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 11: Stephen Strasburg #37 of the Washington Nationals pitches in the second inning during game four of the National League Division Series against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on October 11, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 11: Stephen Strasburg #37 of the Washington Nationals pitches in the second inning during game four of the National League Division Series against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on October 11, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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Will the Washington Nationals starting rotation regain their pitching mojo when recovering Stephen Strasburg returns after the All-Star break?

The Washington Nationals have had huge issues with their rotation this season. But fear not, Stephen Strasburg is on his way back, hoping to help save the day.

On Tuesday night Strasburg pitched in a rehab start for the Potomac Nationals in Lynchburg. He lasted 3 1/3 innings, threw 57 pitches with five strikeouts and only one walk.

Strasburg is set to make his next rehab outing on Sunday, once again with the P-Nats. If all checks out, we’ll all grab our beers and cheer for the birthday boy against the Atlanta Braves on Friday, July 20th.

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Although Strasburg has been riddled with injuries through the years, he hasn’t been listed on the DL with this particular injury since his rookie year back in 2010. He was only out a short time, but then before he returned the next month only to tear his UCL and leave the field for almost a full year.

It’s fair to wonder whether he returned to the field too soon after the inflammation injury. Or whether Strasburg overcompensated for the pain in his shoulder, causing him to pitch with poor technique that led to the torn UCL.

Hopefully, Strasburg’s professional experience and longer rehabilitation time will help him recover quickly, and without further injury.

Nats’ starting pitching woes

The Washington Nationals rotation is in dire straits after the horrific pitching displays in the month of July. Jeremy Hellickson owns an ERA of 8.00 in the month, even after his great outing against the Pirates.

Tanner Roark has an ERA of 10.64 and gave up 20 hits in only two games. July has been brutal even for the All-Star pitcher, Max Scherzer who currently holds a 4.85 ERA. Back in May, before Strasburg left, the team was flourishing with an overall ERA of 2.48.

The overall ERA for the team has been a dismal 6.43 since Strasburg landed on the DL back on June 9th with inflammation in his right shoulder. Strasburg’s successful return may be the key in determining a playoff berth.

Next: Five potential starting rotation targets

This year’s Stephen Strasburg has been more lackluster than previous years. But fans need to keep the hope alive that he’ll return with a new-found burst of vigor that will give the Washington Nationals rotation a huge boost.

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