Nationals Injury Thread

[CoreyR]

Post all team injuries in this topic!

[yankeebiscuitfan]

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101220&content_id=16349198&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb

According to MLB.com, Strasburg hopes to start throwing within a few weeks before going to ST.

IMHO the Nationals rushed him through the minors resulting in this injury. Sure a rotator cuff injury can happen any time, but I think if they had a bit more patience with him and if they had guided him a bit more this would not have happened.

Thoughts?

[CoreyR]

They used him well at the start of the season going into the 1st quarter of it, but then the anticipation and excitement unleashed. This kid is a superstar and we all know it and they couldn't hold him back anymore resulting in this injury. This is obviously my opinion, and I really hope this kid recovers!!

[yankeebiscuitfan]

They used him well at the start of the season going into the 1st quarter of it, but then the anticipation and excitement unleashed. This kid is a superstar and we all know it and they couldn't hold him back anymore resulting in this injury. This is obviously my opinion, and I really hope this kid recovers!!

Look what the Rays did with Evan Longoria. The kid was ready for the majors in 2007 already, but the kept him at AAA until April 2008.
And he isn't even a pitcher. You are right about the fact that Strasburg is a star. But I think they should have had more patience with him. I have seen him in only two games and in those games he was relying on his fastball heavily. How many other pitches does he have? I think they should have learned him to mix his fastball with other pitches more. And that is something he can learn in the minors. Just my two cents.

[CoreyR]

You said it perfectly, he is so young. Let him work on his change-up, his curve, let him work on mixing it up with his other pitches depending on certain counts, whether it's 3-1, 1-2, or 3-0. Let him get some work in. Now that we all know what he can do in the Majors, he might not see the Minors. Actually, depending on his recovery, you might just see him at the AA-AAA levels before the start of May or June. They need to be patient and they need to let this kid work on his pitches outside his fastball, just like you had mentioned.

[RickD]

I hope they ease him back in....a June start in the bigs makes sense. If he is rushed it could be more of the same injury wise.

[Mudge]

While I wish Strasburg the best for a speedy recovery, I am going to have to disagree with the implication that the injury is a result of the Nationals rushing him to the majors. This is not to say that they did or didn't rush him (we could argue that point in hindsight from here to 2017); rather it is to point out that the elbow problem, from what I understand, is not necessarily a function of his having been over-pitched or rushed.

[WilsonC]

Isn't the problem with his elbow rather than his shoulder?

Looking at Strasburg, I don't really see anything to indicate he was rushed. While he was promoted quickly, the Nats were very careful about monitoring his workload, so it's not like a Mark Prior situation where they brought him up and rode his arm hard. It can be debated whether they chose the right starting point for his workload, but there's nothing to say they wouldn't have chosen the same workload benchmarks in the minors.

The other thing about Strasburg is how much more could he have really learned in the minors? While he's known for his fastball, he also has a plus changeup and a plus curveball. We just don't hear as much about the other pitches because they don't have the sexy radar gun numbers as a measurement. In terms of pitch selection, how much can a pitcher learn when he's basically just embarrassing a lower level of competition with every pitch? The only thing left for him in the minors would have been to build strength, and I don't know if there's sufficient evident to suggest it's any safer to do that in the minors as opposed to with a careful workload in the majors.

[Mudge]

I'm sorry. I knew it was an elbow issue; I just got thrown off by the opening post. In any event, the only identifiable issue with bringing Strasburg up in June as the Nationals did was maybe Strasburg pushed himself unduly in order to live up to the hype. Only Strasburg himself could answer that (and then again, maybe not).

FYI: In the minors, Strasburg pitched 55 innings in 11 starts (5 IP per start). He faced 210 batters (3.81 BF per IP). In the majors, he pitched 68 innings in 12 starts (5 and 2/3 IP per start). He face 278 batters (4.01 BF per IP). A little higher for sure, but hardly out of the ordinary, especially if the goal was to build up his strength gradually.

I don't have the numbers for the minors but he usually threw 85 to 95 pitches per outing with the Nats.

[yankeebiscuitfan]

I'm sorry. I knew it was an elbow issue; I just got thrown off by the opening post. In any event, the only identifiable issue with bringing Strasburg up in June as the Nationals did was maybe Strasburg pushed himself unduly in order to live up to the hype. Only Strasburg himself could answer that (and then again, maybe not).

FYI: In the minors, Strasburg pitched 55 innings in 11 starts (5 IP per start). He faced 210 batters (3.81 BF per IP). In the majors, he pitched 68 innings in 12 starts (5 and 2/3 IP per start). He face 278 batters (4.01 BF per IP). A little higher for sure, but hardly out of the ordinary, especially if the goal was to build up his strength gradually.

I don't have the numbers for the minors but he usually threw 85 to 95 pitches per outing with the Nats.

"Maybe Strasburg pushed himself" If so, you can wonder "Who is the boss?" Strasburg or the Nationals?
I thought it was a rotator cuff issue, my wrong.
I don't think that the number of pitches and innings are the problem here. Maybe it was a coincidence but in the two games I saw him pitch, he relied on his fastball too much. I don't claim that I know much about baseball and I am certainly not a doctor, but what I have read is that constantly throwing a fastball is killing your arm. And therefore I think that he should have stayed in the minors a bit longer; just to learn how to pitch in which circumstances.

[Mudge]

"Maybe Strasburg pushed himself" If so, you can wonder "Who is the boss?" Strasburg or the Nationals?

When push comes to shove, you answer to yourself, not your boss.

[RickD]

Strasburg says he is 3-4 weeks away from being able to throw a baseball. http://content.usatoday.com/communities/dailypitch/post/2011/01/upbeat-stephen-strasburg-three-or-four-weeks-from-throwing/1

Considering he will need to improve his arm strength, etc...there is a realistic chance he won't play in the Bigs this year. There is also cause for concern that he could come back a different pitcher!

[LetsPlay2]

I was lucky enough to go to Strasburg's second home start in DC. I have never seen a baseball crowd come alive like they did in that game. It was truly the first Nationals HOME game I have been to.

I don't think the Nats overused Strasburg at all. Remember, prior to him requiring surgery, the Nats had him miss a couple starts and also put him on the 15-day DL for extra rest. They were trying their best to not overuse him. He was on a very strict pitching count, averaging 89 pitches in each of his 12 starts.

With his health in mind, I hope I don't see him on the hill in '11. Don't risk making this injury worse.... give it plenty of time to heal.

[RickD]

I do feel they rushed him. I even said that when he came up the first time...why he rush. Now...for goodness sake let him take it slow in 2011.

[JoshRedcay]

Yeah I would have to agree, he was just TOO hyped up and they were too eager to get him in the MLB. Now it may have not seemed that way when he struck out 14 Bucs in his MLB debut, but now he is paying for it with an injury. That has been happening to much in this era with the hype that surrounds guys.

I think this Nationals team is going to something special here in a couple years. They now have a veteran in Jayson Werth, they got the "Chosen One" in Bryce Harper, and have possibly a future hall of fame pitcher. No to mention Ryan Zimmerman...so once the Phillies start to drop off as their offensive guys age, the Nationals are going to emerge.

[CoreyR]

The Nationals Public Relations (http://twitter.com/#!/NationalsPR/status/35828631334813697) said Strasburg soft tossed today as part of his physical therapy program in San Diego with his physical therapist. (Twitter Link (http://twitter.com/#!/NationalsPR/status/35828631334813697))

Good news for Strasburg and the Nationals. No rush here and i'm sure his therapist will maintain a slow-program to prevent any set backs.

[JoshRedcay]

He's got a ridiculously long and bright future ahead...they just need to take it slow as possible. They're gonna have Bryce Harper here in a few years too, this team is going to be something if he pans out.

[RickD]

I hope they don't try to bring him back to the Bigs this year.

[Old Sweater]

I'm surprised that he is soft tossing, to tell you the truth. MLB needs $trasburg.

[CoreyR]

I'm surprised that he is soft tossing, to tell you the truth. MLB needs $trasburg.

You are correct. Never in my life (Besides Ichiro/Pujols) have I seen a player affect all of Major League Baseball the way Strasburg has. I'm talking my era and what I have witnessed in my life as a baseball fan.

[JoshmanP15]

Strasburg is a great talent and hopefully he'll make a speedy, yet healthy recovery. The dude has sick stuff and I'm looking forward to watching his career progress.

[JoshRedcay]

You are correct. Never in my life (Besides Ichiro/Pujols) have I seen a player affect all of Major League Baseball the way Strasburg has. I'm talking my era and what I have witnessed in my life as a baseball fan.

Couldn't agree with you more, he's been so hyped right along with the "Lebron James of baseball" Bryce Harper. And they both play for the Nationals...

[RickD]

In a rather perfunctory move The Washington Nationals have put pitcher Stephen Strasburg on the 60-day disabled list as he recovers from elbow surgery last September.

[Old Sweater]

Out for 6 weeks.


http://sports.myway.com/news/04302011/v4511.html

WASHINGTON (AP) - An abdominal injury to Washington Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman that first surfaced as a minor nuisance in spring training is now a tear that requires surgery and will sideline him for about six weeks.

"It's to the point right now where it hasn't been getting better, to the point where you might as well go in there and fix it," Zimmerman said Saturday.

[Mickey Mental]

Placed CF Rick Ankiel on the 15-day DL, retroactive to May 3.

[RickD]

Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg has thrown off a bullpen mound as part of his recovery from Tommy John surgery.

[Scoobean]

This is really good to hear and I hope he can stay on course to get back 100% healthy for Spring Training next season. There is no reason to try to get him a game in September with the possibility of a set back.

[RickD]

Jerry Hairston Jr. was placed on the 15-day disabled list Friday with a broken bone in his right wrist, an injury that is expected to sideline him from two to four weeks.

[Scoobean]

Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez is on the 15 day DL.

[RickD]

Strasburg is facing hitters in simulated games and feeling well, and could be back in Washington by the end of August or early September after a few rehab starts.

[Old Sweater]

Strasburg for some reason seems like a smart young man to me. He'll have to govern himself to the MLB hype where the media, teams and fans, gets all girl giddy over high velocity. He should take notes on Lincecum who just throws in the low 90's now.

[RickD]

OK Strasburg is slated to pitch and inning or 2 Sunday in a Single A Hagerstown game.

[wcs71401]

Not sure what the hurry is. I would hate to see this kid back in the majors this season only to hurt himself again.

[RickD]

Strasburg threw 31 pitches over 1 2/3 innings, striking out four Greensboro Grasshoppers and giving up three hits in the Class A game.

[RickD]

Stephen Strasburg is expected to make his season debut with the Nationals on Tuesday Sept 6th against the Dodgers if all goes well in his next rehab start on Thursday..

[wcs71401]

I am not thinking this is a good idea. Still think it is a little too soon.

[RickD]

I agree but he has been rehabbing well in the minors.

[Brew Crew]

Rain permitting, Stephen Strasburg will make a start tonight for the Nationals. He will be limited to about 60 pitches. I don't think he should be pitching this late in the season because he should just continue to rehab and get ready in the off season for 2012.

[RickD]

Well if they are going to ease him back like this it would have made more sense to have him continue in the minors and then just work his are out leading towards Spring Training. To bring him back and limit him is just silly. Wait and let him go in Spring!

[WilsonC]

I don't have an issue with it; if he was deemed healthy enough to start getting in some minor league work in game situations, he's healthy enough to do the same at the major league level. Due to the shorter minor league season, there's no real option to let him continue working in the minors. The question, then, is this: what's better for his recovery: to get in some work in carefully monitored game situations (in this case, at the MLB level) or to simply shut down until next year? If he's physically ready to pitch, is there a benefit to delaying his early reps? Is there a benefit to getting him some light game work in to allow the pitching coach an opportunity to evaluate where he stands mechanically, without risk of a high workload? How much risk is there that his arm might not be fully recovered?

There's a lot of variables that go into a decision like this. As long as the team isn't going against the advice of his doctors, I trust the team's decision on this type of matter.

[Old Sweater]

Had a good outing. 5 IP/2 hits/ 0 runs/0 walks

To bad he'll get a no decision. The next pitcher gave up 2 earned runs in 1/3 of an inning to go with another run by the next pitcher in 1&2/3 innings.

[RickD]

Overall, he threw 40 of 56 pitches for strikes, striking out four without issuing a walk. Only allowing 2 hits in 5 innings and getting his ball up to 97 MPH is pretty good.

I stand corrected!

[RickD]

From the Boston Herald Website:


Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg will be on an innings limit next season as he continues his comeback from reconstructive surgery on his pitching elbow. General manager Mike Rizzo says Sunday that he already has "semi-calculated" the number of innings Strasburg will be allowed to throw in 2012.

Strasburg had his ligament-replacement operation in September 2010, then returned to the majors this September. He’ll make the fifth start of his comeback Wednesday at the Marlins on the last day of the regular season.

Nationals righty Jordan Zimmermann, who had the same surgery as Strasburg in August 2009, was shut down this season after reaching his innings limit. He threw 161 1-3 innings, making his last start on Aug. 28.


So you bring him back early this year only to limit him next year? S-T-U-P-I-D!

[DaaBoTownSox]

Storen to start season on 15-day dl.

[Chitown Champ]

Werth out at least 12 weeks after wrist surgery for a broken wrist. On the bright side, Ryan Zimmerman appears to be ready to come off the DL Tuesday.

[AhCrap]

So that makes a pointless discussion out of whether or not Harper will go down when Zimmerman gets back.

[RickD]

Yeah fortuitous timing on this one.

[DaaBoTownSox]

Nationals placed C Sandy Leon on the 60-day disabled list with a high right ankle sprain.

Leon suffered the injury just four innings into his major league debut Monday when he was involved in a collision with Padres' third baseman Chase Headley at home plate. The timetable for his return isn't clear, but he isn't eligible to come off the disabled list until mid-July. Carlos Maldonado has been called up from Triple-A Syracuse to take his place on the active roster.

[DaaBoTownSox]

Nationals placed RHP Ryan Mattheus on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to May 21, with plantar fasciitis in his left foot.

Mattheus has felt something in the foot for a couple of weeks now and required an X-ray on Monday. While it's not believed to be serious, we should know more about his status after he visits a specialist in Baltimore on Tuesday. The 28-year-old right-hander has a 2.25 ERA and 13/7 K/BB ratio in 20 innings of work this season. Chien-Ming Wang has been activated from the disabled list to replace him on the active roster.

[DaaBoTownSox]

Nationals activated RHP Chien-Ming Wang from the 15-day disabled list.

He'll replace the injured Ryan Mattheus (foot) on the active roster. Wang was originally expected to pitch as a starter prior to his hamstring injury during spring training, but he'll be used as a long man out of the bullpen due to the emergence of Ross Detwiler. He can be ignored in most fantasy leagues for now.

[Mr. Baseball]

Ian Desmond hasn't started in any of the previous four games with an oblique injury.


ESPN:
Desmond (oblique) will be out of the starting lineup for the fourth consecutive game Wednesday, the Nationals' official Twitter page reports.

[yankeebiscuitfan]

The Washington Nationals will be without reliever Ryan Mattheus after learning that the right-hander broke his pitching hand punching a locker in frustration following his rocky outing Sunday.

Manager Davey Johnson made the announcement after the Nationals' 8-0 loss to the San Francisco Giants on Monday night.

The news came on the same night that the Giants lost starter Ryan Vogelsong to a fractured hand after he was hit by a pitch while batting in the fifth inning.

Mattheus allowed five runs in one inning of Washington's 13-4 loss to the San Diego Padres. According to Johnson, Mattheus did not inform the team of his injury until just before Monday's game at AT&T Park.


Well, he's not the first who does this in frustration. Remember Kevin Brown?

Sad thing is that these guys do not realize that they hurt their team more than they hurt themselves with actions like this.

[RickD]

Yeah Kevin Brown should be the poster boy of how not to deal with frustration!

Well, Mattheus has no one else to blame but himself for this one!