WASHINGTON (AP) – Here’s a sight no Nationals fan, or player, ever wants to see: Stephen Strasburg throwing a pitch, grimacing and stepping off the mound in obvious discomfort.
That’s what happened in the second inning against the Miami Marlins on Tuesday night. Washington lost 2-1, although afterward that wasn’t as important as the health of its standout right-hander.
Strasburg was removed for a pinch hitter after allowing two runs and throwing 64 pitches in three innings.
“He’s got a little issue under his shoulder blade,” manager Matt Williams said. “Had it last start. Could be an alignment issue, but as he finishes pitches it grabs him every once in a while. Tonight it got a little bit worse. So we’ll have to have the chiropractor look at him.”
In the second inning, Strasburg winced after throwing a pitch and was visited by the team trainer, pitching coach Steve McCatty and Williams. The right-hander stayed in the game, but not for long.