The Washington Nationals are scratching 2019 World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg from his scheduled start Saturday night against the Yankees.
Strasburg will not pitch due to a “nerve issue in his right hand.” Erick Fedde will start in his place.
BREAKING: Stephen Strasburg will not start for the #Nats tonight. Manager Davey Martinez says Stras has a nerve issue with his right hand. Hopes its day-to-day, wants to be cautious. Erick Fedde gets the start @nbcwashington
— NBC4 Sports (@NBC4Sports) July 25, 2020
Strasburg reportedly felt the issue during his last start during an exhibition game against the Baltimore Orioles. Erick Fedde will get the start instead.
Dave Martinez says that he hopes this is a day-to-day situation. Strasburg received an injection — I will have to transcribe the name of it — and Martinez added that the issue extends to the righty's right thumb.
— Jesse Dougherty (@dougherty_jesse) July 25, 2020
The team’s star pitcher added in an interview that he’s “not extremely concerned. I don’t think it will keep me out too long.”
Strasburg describes it as a "nerve impingement in his wrist." Not extremely concerned, "I don't think it will keep me out too long." But also admits: "To be frank, this season is kind of a mess to begin with. I've got to think about the big picture."
— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) July 25, 2020
Strasburg’s nerve issue is the latest issue to start the season for the Nationals. Outfielder Juan Soto missed Opening Day – a 4-1 rain-shortened loss – due to testing positive for COVID-19. According to Nationals manager Davey Martinez, Soto remains out.
Martinez said nothing new to report on Soto. They spoke today, and Juan appears to still be feeling great.
— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) July 25, 2020
No one else on the team tested positive for COVID-19.
Earlier in the day, Nationals catcher Tres Barrera was slo suspended 80 games due to a positive PED test.
More on Tres Barrera’s suspension and the drug he tested positive for, which goes back to 1960s East Germany but recently has been found in supplements sold in the U.S. https://t.co/fQLL1yZjGy
— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) July 25, 2020
Um, what Davey said.
Davey: "You talk about those bumpy roads …"
— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) July 25, 2020
Here’s tonight’s lineup.
5.1 innings wasn’t enough so we’re gonna play more baseball today.#NATITUDE pic.twitter.com/sKeOSaZFQY
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) July 25, 2020
Headline photo: Ian Oland/RMNB
