So the word from Philadelphia, which will really be word from the District, is that Stephen Strasburg will undergo his MRI later this afternoon to find out exactly what happened to his right arm during last night’s win over the Phillies.
Strasburg was initially diagnosed with a strained flexor tendon. But that injury has degrees of severity. Strasburg was able to do some light throwing this morning in Philadelphia, but until team doctors read the MRI results everyone associated with the Nats will hold their breath. This morning, Washington general manager Mike Rizzo said any idea that Strasburg will be shut down for the rest of the season is premature. For now, they just wait and hope it isn’t serious. Strasburg didn’t report any pain after his workout, according to Rizzo, so that’s at least a good sign. He did admit that he’d experienced similar pain in his right forearm during college a few times. Nats manager Jim Riggleman said Strasburg is unlikely to make his next start, which was supposed to be Thursday against the Chicago Cubs. The rookie hurt himself on a 1-1 change-up to Phillies outfielder Domonic Brown with one out in the fifth inning on Saturday.
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In other news this morning, the Nats announced another two-year player-development agreement with Triple-A Syracuse. The Chiefs have been Washington’s top affiliate the past two seasons. Also, the team will introduce 2010 No. 1 draft pick Bryce Harper on Thursday at Nationals Park. Also, if Strasburg is shut down for the year both Jordan Zimmermann and Yunesky Maya are about ready to take his place. Maya, the 28-year-old Cuban signed to a contract last month, is making his first start at Single-A Potomac this afternoon after two starts in the Gulf Coast League. Will update his start later.
For now, here are today’s lineups from Citizens Bank Park, where the Nats again see Philadelphia starter Roy Oswalt. Washington has scored eight runs off Oswalt (8-13, 3.36 ERA) in just 8 1/3 innings this season. The Phillies’ key acquisition in July was ejected from a game against the Nats on May 31 while still pitching for the Houston Astros. Meanwhile, Scott Olsen (3-5, 5.14 ERA) starts for Washington. One bad inning upended what was a fine start against the Braves on Tuesday. Olsen gave up three earned runs in the sixth inning after five shutout innings against Atlanta.
Nationals:
Morgan – CF
Desmond – SS
Dunn – 1B
Zimmerman – 3B
Bernadina – LF
Morse – RF
Kennedy – 2B
Nieves – C
Olsen – SP
Phillies:
Rollins – SS
Ibanez – LF
Polanco – 3B
Howard – 1B
Werth – RF
Victorino – CF
Ruiz – C
Valdez – 2B
Oswalt – SP
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