Strasburg Deals in Dog Days

Washington Nationals ace, Stephen Strasburg gathered win number 15 on the season and maintained his unblemished record in August.  Strasburg (15-5) shut down the Atlanta Braves last night in DC in one of the biggest games up to this point in the season for both clubs.  Atlanta seemingly had no answer for Strasburg in a 4-1 defeat, losing for the second straight night in a crucial three game series.    

In a post game interview with the Nationals TV affiliate, MASN, Strasburg likened the atmosphere to that of his first home start.  A good thing considering that Strasburg and the fans had to endure a 51 minute rain delay in the top of the third inning.

The delay could have potentially ended or at least hindered Strasburg’s night, especially since the Nationals are carefully protecting his arm. 

He didn’t get shut down and he wasn’t fazed by the delay; instead Strasburg pitched three more innings, completing six total, with 10 strikeouts and allowing one earned run before being pulled prior to the seventh.

With Strasburg dealing and the Nationals atop all of Major League Baseball with the best record in the league (77-46), it’s almost unfathomable to think that he could quite possibly be shut down for the season at some point in September. 

Unfathomable because Washington DC hasn’t had pro ball club sniff the postseason since 1933; amazing when you take into consideration the history of professional baseball in DC; a history that dates back to 1901. 

All history aside, the Nationals don’t seem to be bluffing and general manager Mike Rizzo is standing firm on the premise that he wants to protect their prized 24 year old right hander’s future.

Although, for a team that has done nothing but struggle since arriving to the nation’s capital in 2005, they should also consider the fans that have paid the money in an effort to fill the stands and support a team in hopes that this moment would arrive.

It’s no guarantee that Strasburg and the Nationals could ever be in this situation down the road.  Strasburg could very well pitch the rest of his career in DC (if he stays) and never play for a squad this dominate again.  It’s also no guarantee that he will be pitching for the Nationals two seasons from now, so if it’s really his future management is protecting then they could very well be doing so for the next team he plays for.

For now, Strasburg is focused start after start, delivering gems all month long.  The potential pitch cap hasn’t deterred his performances on the mound.  However, Braves fans are becoming more and more concerned for the guys future.