Washington Nationals: Three Positives for Nats with May Underway
By Tim James
Stephen Strasburg Reinvents Himself
In 2018, a sudden drop in fastball velocity for Stephen Strasburg had some in D.C. pushing the panic button. Fortunately, it appears that there is no cause for concern.
In the final part of the 2018 season, Strasburg was effective despite not throwing his fastball in the upper 90s as he had previously. He has not regained all of his velocity in 2019, throwing his fastball in the 92-94 mile per hour range for the most part, but he’s proven to be among the National League’s most effective pitchers so far.
Strasburg’s pitching WAR stands at 1.1, which ranks as a top-five mark in the N.L. The Nats veteran is striking out opponents at an 11.6 SO/9, ahead of his career mark of 10.6. He’s won three of his four decisions on the year and has been effective both his fastball and off-speed pitches.
Following a nine-strikeout effort on Thursday against the St. Louis Cardinals, Strasburg set a mark for the fewest innings pitched to reach the 1,500 career strikeout mark.
With a long season ahead of the Nats, they’ll undoubtedly need many in the organization to step up their games if they wish to be in contention come the fall. If they do end up having success at season’s end, it is likely that Gomes, Suzuki, Kendrick, and Strasburg will be a big part of it.