The Washington Nationals' plan to shut down starter Stephen Strasburg before the end of the season isn't sitting well with all of the young pitcher's teammates. Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo and manager Davey Johnson have said they will sideline Strasburg, who is coming off Tommy John surgery, at some point this season. Johnson has said Strasburg could be limited to 160 innings to protect the All-Star's future.Strasburg has thrown 133 innings so far, and Nationals players are questioning whether sitting a star pitcher should be considered while Washington heads into a pennant race. Source: ESPN
I'm unsure on this. On one side I want to see him carry the Nats deep into the playoffs, but on the flip side I dont want to see him get overworked and risk any setbacks.
I want him to play against the Braves every time. They seem to love his pitching. And, they don't want to throw his arm out. Obviously coming off a significant injury already, no need to jeoporadize his future. I don't think the Nats are fading from playoff contention.
no way would i move him to the bullpen. starting pitchers are creatures of habit. just come up with a phantom injury (sore thumb or something) and put him on the 15day dl right after he hits 160 innings. he gets a three start rest that way.
his agent scott boras was on mike and mike today. he was throwing out all these numbers about pitchers between the ages of 21 and 23 that get hurt for throwing too many innings. he cited his former player steve avery as his prime example
If the Nats are in the playoffs, and it seems like that's a given at this point your going to have your best pitcher on the bench? Please, this is all bullcrap they are in a race not just for the playoffs for a potential world series if I was Stras I wouldn't skip my start until they pried me off the mound.
