Extra bases: Nationals GM OK with Strasburg as All-Star

Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo is endorsing rookie pitching phenom Stephen Strasburg for the All-Star Game, according to a report on mlb.com.

Although the team has invoked its version of the Yankees' Joba Rules to limit the number of innings Strasburg can pitch, if he were chosen to appear in the July 13 game in Anaheim, Rizzo said the Nationals would be thrilled.

"We would be honored that he would be an All-Star and he would certainly play in the All-Star Game," Rizzo said. "If Charlie Manuel or MLB feels he is one of the best players in the league and he should be on the All-Star team, he would earn it and deserve it. I would embrace it.''