Steven Strasburg Finally on the Mound

After having Tommy John surgery just 12 months ago, no one expected Steven Strasburg (SDSU grad) to be on the mound this early. On a rainy Tuesday night in DC, Strasburg finally took the mound versus the LA Dodgers in the leagues the most anticipated start of the season. Last year, in the first start of his career, he pitched 7 innings with 14 strikeouts. Today was a similar start as he went 5 shutout innings striking out 4. He was very effective throwing only 56 pitches.

Much of this seems very positive for Strasburg, but many sports analyzers have their concerns. They think that it is idiotic to rush Strasburg so quickly. With the Nationals out of playoff contention, it would seem to make logical sense to keep him out until he is fully healthy next year. Doctors say he is indeed healthy, but their is still that risk of him re injuring his shoulder having tearing it only a year ago.

My belief is that I understand why the Nationals are doing this. Their attendance is low and Strasburg draws a huge crowd every appearance he makes and we all know crowds mean money. I think they should let Strasburg pitch, but keep his outings very short and not risk anything. I think he would get rusty if he missed a whole year of pitching in the MLB. At least these short stints will get him back into the swing of things, and get him use to facing professional hitters again. Either way, he is a phenomenal pitcher and has a very bright future ahead of him.