Stephen Strasburg Likely Going to the DL

Bill Ladson of MLB.Com reports that Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg is likely headed to the 15-day disabled list after hurting his arm in the 5th inning of Saturday's game against the Phillies:

"Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg is likely headed to the 15-day disabled list because of a strained flexor tendon in his right forearm, according to a baseball source. The team may not make the move until Thursday, when Strasburg was originally scheduled to make his next start."

This will mark the second time in his young career that Stephen Strasburg will go on the disabled list, leaving many worried about the potential superstar's future durability. The first stint came only a month ago as the 22-year-old was scratched from his Jul 28 start due to "shoulder stiffness." Now, Strasburg will be put on the shelf again as a precaution to heal his strained flexor tendon.

If this does mark the end of Stephen Strasburg's 2010 rookie season, what an amazing effort it will have been. In 12 starts the righty posted a 5-3 record with a 2.91 ERA and 92 strikeouts in just 68 innings pitched. That works out to a 12.18 K/9 ratio, 5.41 K/BB and an impressive 2.6 WAR in only 12 appearances.

As noted by Ladson, Strasburg's next scheduled start would be Thursday, which works out perfectly to bring up fully-rehabbed starter Jordan Zimmermann. While the Nats had likely hoped to have the clubs ace of the future pitching on the day they officially introduce Bryce Harper as a Washington National, Zimmermann will be close second choice. The 24-year-old starter was the clubs top prospect before Strasburg was drafted and had a strong rookie year last season before going down to injury.