Washington Nationals starter Stephen Strasburg had Nats fans holding their breath today after manager Davey Johnson said his ace "didn't look right" during Monday night's start.
"I think he's got a little tightness in his forearm," Johnson said. "So they're going to put him on some medication." When asked about Strasburg's status going forward, Johnson said, "It's too early. I'm sure he's going to be examined every way you can look at him."
Strasburg, who was shut down during the stretch run of last season and in the playoffs was more adamant than his manager when discussing his status. "I'm not missing my next start," he said. "I'll tell you that right now." The Nationals have always been cautious with Strasburg, and Johnson's comments indicate more concern than Strasburg is showing. "I was really concerned," Johnson said. "Any other time, I might have let him continue. Hopefully, it's no more than a tired arm or something."
Despite an unusual lack of control and frequent shaking of his right arm, Strasburg gutted out six innings and struck out eight hitters while giving up two runs. He also walked four batters.
In Miami, the Marlins' best player Giancarlo Stanton went down as if a bullet had struck him in the leg while he tried to beat out an infield single. He has been placed on the 15-day disabled list. Manager Mike Redmond admitted to reporters that the loss of Stanton is a big one, remarking, "We don't have a lot of power."
Stanton has struggled mightily this season, batting .227 with only three home runs and nine RBI. He's hitting dingers just once every 29 at-bats right now, as opposed to last season hen he socked one every 12 at-bats, and finished with 37 bombs in 449 plate appearances. Redmond had been concerned that Stanton was expanding his strike zone in an effort to make plays, because he is generally pitched around in Miami's less-than-intimidating lineup.
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