Johnson hopes to have Strasburg back with the Nationals by September, but I'm not sure that is the best idea. Strasburg wasn't supposed to be back until the 2012, and while pitching this early is good progress, the Nationals shouldn't push him too hard, too fast. Sure, it would be great for the Nationals to get their best pitcher back (especially to put people in the seats in Washington), but the risks outweigh the benefits. Let him continue to rehab in the minors this season, make sure he's completely healthy and then have him start on Opening Day in 2012. The Nationals have way too much invested in Strasburg to risk another injury in a meaningless big league game late in the season. What are your thoughts? Leave a comment with how you think the Nationals should handle the Strasburg situation.
If the nats use him at all in the majors this season, it should be in relief. don't put him on the bump as a starter
ReplyDeleteI agree that he shouldn't be used as a starter in the Majors this year. But a few innings here and there as a reliever, as the previous comment suggested, might not be a bad thing. If he is going to pitch in the Minors anyway, a handful of innings in relief could help dispel any anxiety he might have going into 2012.
ReplyDeleteBill
I would think at some point he would need to start getting into the grind again of pitching every fourth day. Yes, bring him along carefully, but don't be overly so. He'll toughen up.
ReplyDeleteI hope he comes back. It would be interesting to see how the Nats' future would look with a healthy Strasburg.