Posted Thursday July 29, 2010 1 month, 1 week ago
Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg (C) leaves the bullpen while warming up to pitch against the Atlanta Braves ahead of their MLB baseball game in Washington in this July 27, 2010 file photo. REUTERS/Larry Downing
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Washington Nationals rookie right-hander Stephen Strasburg has been placed on the 15-day disabled list because of stiffness in his pitching shoulder, the team said Thursday.
The decision to put Strasburg on the disabled list comes two days after the 22-year-old pitcher was scratched minutes before a scheduled start after experiencing stiffness in his shoulder while warming up.
"It's what's best for the team," Strasburg, baseball's top draft pick in 2009, told reporters.
The move is retroactive to July 22, according to the Nationals' website (http://washington.nationals.mlb.com).
Examinations taken earlier this week revealed inflammation
in the shoulder but no structural damage. Strasburg, a fan favorite, said the shoulder was already feeling better.
"They're taking every precaution with me," he said. "It's doing great already. (I'm) making big strides ... and when the time comes, I'm going to be ready to go."
He will not throw for the next three to four days, then have the shoulder re-evaluated.
Strasburg has compiled a 5-2 record with a 2.32 earned run average and 75 strikeouts in nine starts. He struck out 14 batters in his June debut with the club.
He was scheduled to pitch again Sunday. The Nationals have not named his replacement.
(Writing by Gene Cherry in Raleigh, North Carolina; Editing by Frank Pingue.)
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