2021 MLB Injury Updates: Stephen Strasburg Heads to IL

Overtime Heroics Editorial

778 days ago

If the 5-9 (.417) start to the Wahington Nationals season wasn’t bad enough, the latest MLB injury updates now have Nats righty Stephen Strasburg on the IL. Strasburg was due to make his third start today (vs. the Diamondbacks) but was scratched. On the season, Strasburg has had two starts (total 10.0 IP), netting himself an 0-1 record, a 6.30 ERA, and a less than desirable WHIP of 1.600; he has also collected 11 punchouts.

Strasburg is now being sidelined for right shoulder inflammation, but although he is currently listed on the 10-Day IL, there is reportedly no timetable for his return. Joining Strasburg is Nationals’ RHP (reliever) Wander Suero, who is also now on the 10-Day IL with an oblique issue. Other Washington pitchers currently sidelined include starter LHP Jon Lester (COVID-19 protocols), righty-reliever Will Harris (inflammation in his throwing hand), and lefty-reliever Luis Avilán, who’s out with a UCL tear.

Nationals’ manager Dave Martinez told MLB.com, “For me, it’s been a crazy start of the year from the beginning. We’ve got to start looking at some of this stuff and the possibility of some of these things happening. It’s unfortunate, but we’ve got to move on.”

The Nationals have been battling uphill since what should have been Opening Day when their opening series with the Mets was canceled due to COVID-19 issues.

MLB Injury Updates: Strasburg’s Injury History

Although a force to be reckoned with when healthy, Strasburg – currently enjoying a seven-year/$245M contract – is certainly no stranger to injury issues. According to spotrac.com, Strasburg’s injuries include:

DATE	TEAM	REASON	DAYS OUT	EARNINGS
08/15/2020 – 09/27/2020	WSH	Hand	44	$8,512,988
07/25/2018 – 08/22/2018	WSH	Shoulder	29	$2,338,966
06/09/2018 – 07/20/2018	WSH	Shoulder	42	$3,387,468
07/27/2017 – 08/19/2017	WSH	Elbow	24	$1,967,208
08/21/2016 – 09/07/2016	WSH	Elbow	18	$1,022,958
06/16/2016 – 07/03/2016	WSH	Back	18	$1,022,958
07/05/2015 – 08/08/2015	WSH	Oblique	35	$1,415,295
05/30/2015 – 06/23/2015	WSH	Neck	25	$1,010,925
06/06/2013 – 06/16/2013	WSH	Arm	11	$234,421
03/28/2012 – 10/03/2012	WSH	Elbow- TJ Surg.	190	$3,114,670
03/31/2011 – 09/06/2011	WSH	Elbow- TJ Surg.	160	$2,185,760
08/24/2010 – 10/03/2010	WSH	Elbow	41	$868,175
07/29/2010 – 08/10/2010	WSH	Shoulder	13	$275,275
		TOTALS	650	$27,357,067

Information provided from spotrac.com

Let that marinate… $27,357,067 in total salary paid to Strasburg for injured time over the course of his (now) 12 seasons in MLB. All I can say is that’s one hell of a workman’s comp policy…

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