Nationals: Stephen Strasburg Leaves Game with Shoulder Problem

Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg had to left Friday’s game with the San Francisco Giants after just two innings due to tightness in his right shoulder.

Nationals’ manager Davey Martinez said following the game that the throwing shoulder of Strasburg tightened up and that the starting pitcher would have an MRI on Saturday.

Strasburg said the issue had been bothering him prior to the game on Friday.

Strasburg added that it is difficult to feel 100% each time you take the mound, but this has been something gradual and has been affecting him more and more during his last few starts. He said that it was a difficult thing to gauge since you want to be out there playing and doing your part for the team.

However, he added that on Friday it acted up on him more than during other starts and his manager made the decision to pull him.

Strasburg gave up five hits and three runs with a pair of strikeouts, but did not look that comfortable while pitching.

The Giants took a 1-0 lead during the first inning on Andrew McCutchen’s home run off a Strasburg 97 mph fastball. In the second, the Giants started with four consecutive hits that pushed their lead to 3-0.

At the start of the third inning, Shawn Kelley took over for Strasburg, who was charged with the 9-5 loss to the Giants.

When healthy, Strasburg, who is 29, has pitched very well. The last two seasons he went 15-4 in each, but has not made over 30 starts per season since the 34 he made in 2014.

Since 2015, Strasburg has been on the disabled list five times. Neither Martinez nor his pitcher would forecast when the result of the MRI would be.

Martinez remained positive saying he hoped it would show nothing or slight tightness or inflammation that can be quickly taken care of and move on.

In his last start prior to Friday’s, Strasburg lost to the Atlanta Braves after giving up seven hits and four runs across 6 2/3 innings.

Strasburg debuted in the major leagues eight years ago Friday.