Strasburg's Next Stop: the DL

The Nationals have been careful with their prized rookie pitcher this season, limiting the number of innings Stephen Strasburg throws in order to keep his golden arm in mint condition for the remainder of his career.

But even the best laid plans of GMs and pitching coaches often go awry. This one was no exception.

Strasburg has been placed on the 15-day disabled list because of inflammation in his pitching shoulder.

Thursday's move is retroactive to July 22, a day after he made his last appearance. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 amateur draft was scratched minutes before he was to make his 10th major league start Tuesday, because his right shoulder felt stiff while he was warming up in the bullpen.

Strasburg is 5-2 with a 2.32 ERA, 75 strikeouts and 15 walks in 54 1/3 innings since making his major league debut June 8.

By sending Strasburg to the DL, they are able to activate left-hander Scott Olsen, out since May with a shoulder injury. Olsen is to start Washington's game against Atlanta on Thursday.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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