Stephen Strasburg is a professional baseball player known for his dominant pitching ability. However, in recent times, he has been sidelined due to a nerve-related setback that occurred during a bullpen session.
This setback has prevented him from taking the field, and his history of health problems has created an uncertain outlook for his chances of returning to the rotation in the 2023 season.
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the reasons behind Stephen Strasburg’s absence from the game, including his recent setback, his history of health problems, and the outlook for his future in baseball.
Stephen Strasburg’s Recent Setback
Stephen Strasburg’s recent setback was a nerve-related issue that occurred during a bullpen session. According to MLB.com, Strasburg experienced numbness and tingling in his pitching hand, which is a common symptom of nerve problems.
The severity and extent of the nerve issue are not clear, but it has prevented Strasburg from pitching in games.
Impact on Strasburg’s Ability to Pitch
The nerve issue has had a significant impact on Strasburg’s ability to pitch. As a pitcher, he relies heavily on his arm and hand to throw the ball with accuracy and velocity.
Any issues with his hand, such as numbness or tingling, can affect his grip on the ball and lead to a loss of control. This loss of control can result in poor performance on the field and potentially cause further damage to his arm.
Possible Causes of the Setback
The exact cause of Strasburg’s nerve-related setback is not clear. However, there are several possible factors that could contribute to nerve issues in the arm, such as repetitive strain, compression, or an injury.
Strasburg’s history of injuries, including a previous elbow surgery, could also play a role in his current nerve issue. Additionally, the natural wear and tear of pitching at a professional level for many years could also be a contributing factor.
Strasburg’s History of Health Problems
Strasburg’s Previous Injuries
Stephen Strasburg has had a history of health problems throughout his career. In 2010, he underwent Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ligament in his pitching elbow, causing him to miss the majority of the 2011 season.
He has also dealt with a variety of other injuries, including back, neck, and shoulder issues, that have forced him to miss significant time on the field.
How These Injuries Have Impacted His Career
Strasburg’s injuries have undoubtedly had a significant impact on his career. While he has shown flashes of brilliance on the field, his inability to stay healthy has prevented him from reaching his full potential.
He has been limited in terms of innings pitched and games played, which has prevented him from establishing himself as one of the game’s premier pitchers. Additionally, his injuries have led to inconsistent performances on the field, which have hurt his team’s chances of winning.
Comparison to Other Players With Injury-prone Histories
Stephen Strasburg is not alone in his struggle with injuries. Many other players, such as Mark Prior and Kerry Wood, have had injury-prone careers that prevented them from reaching their full potential.
In recent years, pitchers such as Noah Syndergaard and Tyler Glasnow have also dealt with significant injuries that have limited their time on the field. While injuries are an unfortunate reality in the world of professional sports, they can have a significant impact on a player’s career trajectory.
The Uncertain Outlook for Strasburg’s Return
Strasburg’s Chances of Returning to the Rotation
The uncertainty surrounding Strasburg’s nerve issue makes it difficult to predict his chances of returning to the rotation in the 2023 season.
While he has been undergoing treatment and rehabilitation, there is no guarantee that he will be able to return to the field. His injury history and age also make it more challenging to recover fully and regain his previous form.
Potential Timeline for His Return
It is challenging to predict a timeline for Strasburg’s return to the rotation due to the nature of his injury. However, the hope is that he will be able to start pitching again by the middle of the 2023 season.
This would give him enough time to regain his strength and work his way back into the rotation for the second half of the season.
Factors That Could Impact His Return
Several factors could impact Strasburg’s return to the rotation, including the severity of his nerve issue, his body’s ability to heal and recover, and his ability to regain his previous form.
Additionally, the Washington Nationals’ management may be cautious in bringing him back, given his injury history and the importance of his long-term health. Furthermore, Strasburg’s age, at 34, is another factor that could impact his ability to bounce back fully from his injury.
Stephen Strasburg’s Injury History
| Year | Injury Type | Games Missed | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Strained Flexor Tendon | 0 | Diagnosed with inflammation, missed one start |
| 2011 | Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) tear | 127 | Underwent Tommy John surgery, missed the entire season |
| 2013 | Right Forearm Tightness | 24 | Placed on DL, missed six weeks |
| 2016 | Back Strain | 17 | Placed on DL, and missed nearly six weeks |
| 2017 | Elbow Nerve Impingement | 27 | Placed on DL, and missed nearly six weeks |
| 2018 | Shoulder Inflammation | 17 | Placed on DL, missed nearly two months |
| 2019 | Shoulder Inflammation | 15 | Placed on DL, missed nearly a month |
| 2020 | Carpal Tunnel Syndrome | 29 | Placed on IL, and missed nearly the entire season |
| 2022 | Nerve Issue | 161 | Limited to just one start, and missed the remainder of the season |
Note: Games missed is for regular-season games and do not include postseason games.
FAQs
How has Stephen Strasburg’s injury history impacted his performance on the field?
Strasburg’s injuries have prevented him from establishing himself as one of the game’s premier pitchers. He has been limited in terms of innings pitched and games played, which has hurt his team’s chances of winning. Additionally, his injuries have led to inconsistent performances on the field, which have impacted his statistics and overall performance.
What is the likelihood of Stephen Strasburg returning to the rotation in 2023?
It is challenging to predict with certainty the likelihood of Strasburg’s return to the rotation in 2023. While the hope is that he will be able to return to the field by the middle of the season, the severity of his injury and his age could make it more challenging to regain his previous form.
What treatment options have Stephen Strasburg undergone for his nerve issue?
Strasburg has undergone various treatment options for his nerve issue, including physical therapy, rehabilitation exercises, and medication. Additionally, he has received injections to help manage his pain and reduce inflammation.
How have the Washington Nationals managed Stephen Strasburg’s injury history?
The Washington Nationals have been cautious in managing Stephen Strasburg’s injury history. They have limited his innings and games played to avoid further injury and have provided him with ample time for rehabilitation and recovery. Additionally, they have taken steps to monitor his workload and manage his injury risk to ensure his long-term health and success.
What is the significance of Stephen Strasburg’s age in his ability to return to the rotation?
Stephen Strasburg’s age, at 34, is a significant factor that could impact his ability to bounce back fully from his injury. Older players tend to have a slower recovery time and a higher risk of re-injury, which could impact Strasburg’s chances of returning to the rotation in the 2023 season. However, with proper rehabilitation and care, he may be able to make a successful comeback.
Conclusion
Stephen Strasburg’s nerve-related setback and previous injury history create an uncertain outlook for his return to the rotation for the 2023 season.
While the hope is that he will be able to return to the field by the middle of the season, the severity of his injury and his age could make it more challenging to regain his previous form.
Nonetheless, Strasburg has shown resilience in the past, and with proper rehabilitation and care, he may be able to make a successful comeback. Fans and teammates will undoubtedly be rooting for his return to the rotation and his continued success on the field.
