Stephen Strasburg wants to pitch (beyond team imposed innings limit)

[JonLP24]

If the Washington Nationals make the World Series, don't tell Stephen Strasburg -- who is on a team-imposed innings limit -- that he won't be able to pitch.

"They're going to have to rip the ball out of my hands," Strasburg said on MLB Network Radio.

The All-Star was discussing the possibility that he won't be pitching later this season due to the 160-innings limit that the Nationals placed on their prized right-hander prior to the season. Strasburg had Tommy John surgery late in the 2011 season.

Strasburg, 23, has come back strong from the major surgery, posting a 9-4 record with a 2.82 ERA in his first full season in the big leagues. The inning he pitched in Tuesday's All-Star Game was his 100th of the season.

http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/8160443/washington-nationals-all-star-stephen-strasburg-not-keen-innings-limit

[TZ]

1. I think for his future he needs to be shut down

Even the 160 innings is more than he's ever pitched before. I think the Nats are deep enough in pitching they can probably survive without him. They shut down Jordan Zimmerman last year in August who was the Ace then and they still went 15-8.I'm afraid for his arm if they push him, the short term solution at the expense of the future is not worth it.

[JonLP24]

4. I'm curious

though where do they pull the 160 figure from? Why 160? Why not more or less? (Question stolen from baseball announcers) Does his All-Star game innings count to that?

Not asking you specifically, asking out loud. I'm not in a position to second guess the Nats, they're paid to make those decisions but I imagine it is something easier said then done depending on how the race plays out.

[TZ]

5. I think it has to do with trainers recommendations after TJ surgery

Jordan Zimmermann when he was shut down in August last year pitched 161.1 innings so this is what the Nationals apparantly do for any TJ pitcher....

[madinmaryland]

6. That's the reason. Natinal fans will not be happy in the short run, but at least the management is

thinking long term. Does this mean the Buccos have a shot at the number one slot in the NL??

[TZ]

7. Nope.

They still are very deep in pitching. Also, we are about to get Storen back and Jayson Werth's return should help the offense. Honestly, the innings limit isn't as big a deal to me as many in the media. I haz faith in my team.

[madinmaryland]

10. Nope to what?

Natinal fans being upset about Strasberg being put on ice, or the Pirates getting the number one spot!!

[Auggie]

2. He has to pitch in the playoffs

When was the last time a Washington D.C. baseball team won the world Series? '

You don't ever piss away an opportunity to win it all.

[TZ]

3. Nope

He doesn't need too. Also, I've seen a drop in his performance when he's tired. I don't think he'd actually pitch that well if they push him (look at last two outings to see what I'm talking about). The can win with Gio, Det, and JZimm, who have really good ERA's too.

[Auggie]

8. Huge, huge mistake. He has to pitch in the playoffs.

[Kingofalldems]

9. Stras goes all Charlton Heston on us.

Nice.

I think one of two things will happen, Nats will limit his August appearances or they will acquire another pitcher.

[rocktivity]

11. Why not just have him pitch less often?

Put him on a longer rotation -- say, every six days instead of every five?


rocktivity

[Auggie]

12. I've changed my mind about this ...

shut him down.

The Nats are a less excellent team without Strasburg, and if the Giants make the playoffs I'd feel better with him on the bench. Actually, I'd feel better without the Nats in the playoffs. Maybe I'll get my wish.