Stephen Strasburg will undergo neck surgery that will end his season with the Washington Nationals, manager Dave Martinez said Tuesday.
This concludes another frustrating year for Strasburg, the 2019 World Series hero.
The three-time All-Star right-hander felt a discomfort last week after serving a 27-pitch session. On Monday, he consulted a specialist.
The pitcher, who is 1-2 with a 4.57 ERA in five starts this season, was diagnosed with neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome. He will be operated on Wednesday in Dallas by Dr. Greg Pearl, Martinez reported.
“He is dejected and frustrated,” acknowledged the Puerto Rican pilot. “Hopefully, after this procedure, which is the next obstacle, he recovers and then begins to rehabilitate as soon as possible.”
Injuries have limited Strasburg to seven starts in the past couple of years, when he was named the MVP of the World Series Washington won against Houston. Has not released since June 1.
Martinez was confident that Strasburg is ready for the start of the next preseason.
“I know what kind of warrior he is when he’s healthy,” he said. (MLB in Spanish)