Strasburg has torn elbow ligament, could be out until 2012
Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg likely needs to have Tommy John surgery, which could keep him out for all of the 2011 season. (Aug. 21, 2010) Credit: MCT
A torn elbow ligament has ended the season of celebrated Washington Nationals rookie pitcher Stephen Strasburg, who could be lost until the 2012 season if Tommy John surgery is required.
Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said the latest MRI on Strasburg revealed a "significant tear," and although the 22-year-old righthander will seek a second opinion, Rizzo expects Strasburg to have surgery.
"As you can imagine, he was initially upset," Rizzo said during a conference call. "But he has really turned himself from being upset to being focused on his rehabilitation. He's determined to get the surgery done and begin the process of rehabilitation."
Strasburg was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 draft and signed a four-year contract for $15 million, a record amount for a drafted player. He hit 100 mph on his fastball and struck out 14 batters in his major-league debut in June. Strasburg struck out 41 batters in his first four starts. He is 5-3 with a 2.91 ERA and has 92 strikeouts in 68 innings.
Inflammation in the back of his shoulder landed Strasburg on the disabled list in July. He was making his third start since coming back from the DL when he suffered his latest injury last Saturday against the Phillies.
Strasburg was pulled from the game in the fifth inning. It initially was called a strained flexor tendon in the forearm, but an MRI taken Sunday prompted the Nationals to order more extensive testing.
Strasburg was weaned into the majors and had been on a pitch count. "The player was developed and cared for in the correct way, and things like this happen," Rizzo said. "Pitchers break down, pitchers get hurt, and we certainly are not second-guessing ourselves . . . Frustrated? Yes. But second-guessing ourselves? No."
Nationals president Stan Kasten said the diagnosis surprised everyone, especially Strasburg, who had been saying this week that he wanted to pitch.
"Stephen felt pretty good and still feels OK," Kasten said. "And that's why this has been so confounding."
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