⚾⚾ The Morning Briefing: Strasburg no longer rehabbing
2019 World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg is no longer continuing his rehab, according to Jesse Dougherty of the Washington Post.
Good Morning Washington Nationals Fan,
Here are the latest headlines and analyses around the Washington Nationals and Major League Baseball for today, June 5, 2023. My name is Haden Raymer and this is your morning briefing. Today’s top story is Stephen Strasburg being shut down in his rehab. Let’s dive into it.
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Leading today’s Morning Briefing: Strasburg has been shut down from continuing rehab
2019 World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg is no longer continuing his rehab, according to Jesse Dougherty of the Washington Post. In his report, he says Strasburg has been completely shut down from physical activity after being shut down three times this offseason when trying to get ready for Spring Training.
Strasburg has reportedly been unable to stand for extended periods of time without his right hand going numb. Based on this and the other symptoms Dougherty described in his report, it is hard to imagine a scenario where Strasburg throws another pitch for the franchise, or even simply live a pain-free life.
We all know the story. After 2019 he signed his seven-year $245M deal and has since then not thrown more than 26.1 major league innings. I have seen a few Nats fans on Twitter talk about how Strasburg should retire and forgo his salary, and just take a nice job in the Nats’ front office. That bothers me a little.
Strasburg has been a really good pitcher. Since 1995, only 24 other pitchers have as much or more bWAR through their age-30 season. Only Brandon Webb has thrown fewer pitches. He was practically destined for greatness, from his amazing collegiate career, first overall pick, to his amazing debut. But to end like this is likely nothing Strasburg, or anyone else, could have foretold. Sure, he was injury prone. But to go from the top of the world: winning a ring, re-signing with his team, and just having finished one of the best seasons of his career, to failing to even get back onto a baseball field or to pressing his hand to his chest while lying down just to feel comfortable. It’s tragic. Show compassion. He wants to come back, and I will be rooting for him.
Nationals lose series to Philadelphia Phillies
Over the weekend the Nationals hosted the Phillies for a three-game series. The series started well, with the Nats taking a close victory 8-7. The Nationals had four extra-base hits in the game, with a Luis García home run, a CJ Abrams double, and two doubles for Jeimer Candelario. Josiah Gray looked human in the outing, giving up four runs over 5.1 innings pitched.
In game two the Nationals offense could only muster two runs in a 4-2 loss. MacKenzie Gore threw a quality start and struck out six. The Nats failed to record an extra-base hit.
On Sunday, the pitching gave up five home runs in an 11-3 loss for the Nationals. Mason Thompson was the only pitcher to not give up a run. Joey Meneses tripled and Ildemaro Vargas doubled and homered. He has a .873 OPS on the year. Who would have thought?
The Nationals are off tonight but take on the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday.
Andres Machado was DFA’d
Andres Machado was designated for assignment following yesterday’s loss according to Jesse Dougherty. This clears room in the bullpen for a new reliever, hopefully, a lefty, as there has not been a left-handed reliever in the bullpen since Anthony Banda was DFA’d in April.
FCL and DSL rosters announced
The Nationals have announced their rosters for the Florida Coast League and Dominican Summer League. You can see our breakdown on the FCL roster here. And you can find the same for the DSL team here.
Down on the Farm
The Rochester Red Wings went 1-2 over the weekend against the Syracuse Mets. Last night they lost in extra on two unearned runs. Jake Alu went 2-5 last night. Derek Hill went 2-3 with a leadoff home run and two walks.
The Harrisburg Senators went 2-1 over the weekend against the Bowie Baysox. James Wood has been doing James Wood things. Blake Rutherford is too good for Double-A and should be promoted to Triple-A soon. Robert Hassell III has struggled a bit in Double-A, and it wouldn’t shock me if Wood beats him to the majors at this point, which would have been a shock to most on the day of the Juan Soto trade.
The Wilmington Blue Rocks lost 1-2 on the weekend. The Asheville Tourists scored 23 runs in the last three games. Catcher Matt Suggs was the top player this weekend, with a double yesterday and two home runs on Saturday.
The FredNats have won 10 for their last 11 games, including two this weekend. Jarlin Susana threw four scoreless yesterday. Brady House continues to be one of the hottest hitters in A-ball. Armando Cruz has had timely hitting lately as well.
Links around the league
ICYMI: Jesse Dougherty on Strasburg ($)
Andrew Golden on Jake Bennett’s breakout season in the minors ($)
The reason behind yesterday’s big boom in the DMV
J.J. Cooper on James Wood
Guardians DFA’d Zach Plesac
Pujols hired as special assistant to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred
