Strasburg Shutdown: Effective Immediately
Friday night's game between the Washington Nationals and Miami Marlins was supposed to be Stephen Strasburg's second-to-last start for the Nats this season as they limit his innings his first full season back from Tommy John surgery. Strasburg had one of the most ineffective starts in his career, completing just three innings and surrendering five runs.
Nats manager Davey Johnson called the hype on the shutdown "unbearable" to Strasburg, and he announced he would be shutting the Nats' ace down effective immediately rather than having one more start on Wednesday. Davey said it was his call. The announcement finally ends the season-long drama, and John Lannan will take over for Strasburg in New York next week.
We'll have more as it comes out on The Nats Blog...
In two of his last three starts, he has been totally ineffective. Makes complete sense to shut him down when he pitches this poorly. Doesn't really matter if its caused by arm fatigue or the stress of all the press coverage. Playing Stras doesn't do anyone any good.
