Strasburg’s season is over
Stephen Strasburg will have season-ending neck surgery, Nationals manager Dave Martinez said Tuesday, ending another frustrating year for Washington’s 2019 World Series hero.
The three-time All-Star righthander felt discomfort after a 27pitch bullpen session last week and saw a specialist Monday. Strasburg, who is 1-2 with a 4.57 ERA in five starts this season, was diagnosed with neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome and will be operated on by Dr. Greg Pearl in Dallas on Wednesday, Martinez said.
Injuries have limited Strasburg to seven starts since he was named MVP of Washington’s World Series win over Houston two years ago. He last pitched June 1.
Martinez said he expects Strasburg to be ready for the start of spring training next year.
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Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich tested positive for the coronavirus and is showing mild symptoms. Yelich and utility man Jace Peterson were placed on the COVID-19 injured list, Brewers president of baseball operations David Stearns said, adding that Peterson was sidelined because of contact tracing and hasn’t tested positive . ... Nationals shortstop Trea Turner left Tuesday night’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies in the first inning after testing positive for COVID-19. Turner, who entered batting .320 with 18 home runs and 49 RBIs, singled and scored in the first inning. The All-Star headed directly up the Nationals’ tunnel toward the clubhouse after scoring and was replaced by Gerardo Parra in the lineup to start the bottom of the first . ... The Houston Astros landed one of the top relievers in baseball, acquiring right-hander Kendall Graveman from the Seattle Mariners in an odd intra-division trade while the teams were preparing to play each other. Graveman and Rafael Montero are going to Houston, with infielder Abraham Toro and reliever Joe Smith going back to Seattle . ... The Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox were rained out Tuesday night by a heavy storm. The game is being rescheduled as part of a doubleheader Wednesday . ... The Mariners hired Catie Griggs as the club’s new president of business operations.