The Washington Nationals and fantasy baseball managers have been waiting patiently for starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg to return to the mound. The 2019 World Series MVP underwent surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome, a condition involving compressed blood vessels in the neck, this past offseason.
A likely stash for many fantasy baseball managers, the Nationals hurler has been ramping up his activity, most recently throwing a simulated game in Florida. On Tuesday night, the Nationals pitcher took his next big step, returning to game action on the mound with the Fredericksburg Nationals, the team's Single-A affiliate, as reported by Fredericksburg.com.
Working exclusively out of the stretch, Strasburg threw 61 pitches in his return to game action. His final stat line—2 2/3 innings pitched, four walks, three strikeouts and two earned runs—was a mixed bag.
Strasburg pitched out of the stretch, tossing 61 pitches across 2 2/3 innings, with four walks, three strikeouts and two runs surrendered. It wasn't the prettiest final line, but it's exciting for fantasy baseball managers and Nationals fans to see the three-time All-Star back on the mound after such a long hiatus.
It was a step-up from the 43 pitches he threw in the simulated game, though he is expected to require multiple rehab starts.
When he's at his best, like he was back in 2019, Strasburg is one of the most valuable fantasy baseball starters in the game. The Nationals ace recorded a 3.32 ERA and 251 strikeouts across 209 innings during that campaign.
A mid-June return seems to be in the cards for Stephen Strasburg.
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