Following yesterday's game against the Orioles, a game in which Nationals ace Stephen Strasburg only went five innings, Nationals Manager Davey Johnson said that Strasburg got the hook early due to arm tightness.
Johnson went on to say in the post-game press conference that he merely lifted him early just to be on the safe side. The Nationals had a lead and with the bullpen that the Nationals have, he had more than enough confidence turning it over to them.
Neither Johnson or Strasburg seemed too concerned about the tightness in his throwing arm. Johnson stated in the post-game press conference that it was his bicep that was experiencing the tightness.
I, too, don't see a reason to be concerned about Strasburg's bicep getting tight. If it was his elbow or forearm that was experiencing any sort of discomfort, then there would be cause for concern.
Tommy Johns Surgery is nowhere in the future of Stephen Strasburg. That kind of procedure is mainly used to repair damage to the tendons and ligaments of the elbow. What Strasburg is dealing with is a muscle.
It was getting close to time to pull Strasburg anyways. Strasburg was already up to 90 pitches after five innings. Just three times this year has he gone over 100 pitches in an outing. Usually, Strasburg goes around 85-95 pitches before getting the hook.
There really is no need for concern in D.C. Strasburg himself said after the game that bicep soreness was an expected experience following Tommy Johns surgery.
Five days from now, when Strasburg takes the hill again, expect him to be just as dominant as usual. If the Nationals want to be extra careful, they may push his start back one day. However, I don't think that will be necessary. Expect Strasburg to recover fully from this tightness in his right bicep.
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