Nats P Strasburg to make season debut Thursday

MIAMI — Washington Nationals beginning pitcher Stephen Strasburg will make his long-awaited return from the injured record on Thursday and pitch towards the Miami Marlins, supervisor Dave Martinez mentioned Wednesday.

Talking earlier than the sequence opener, Martinez introduced the information a day after the right-handed Strasburg authored one final facet session in his rehabilitation course of.

“I am not going to place any limitations on him,” Martinez mentioned. “We’ll see how far we will take him. We’ll hold a detailed eye on him however this is among the explanation why we needed him to undergo what he did and to make it possible for he is absolutely prepared.”

Strasburg will oppose Miami left-hander Trevor Rogers (2-5) within the sequence finale lower than a month after making his first look — a minor-league outing — since present process thoracic outlet surgical procedure in 2021.

Strasburg, the 2019 World Collection MVP, has pitched a complete of 26⅔ major-league innings because the begin of the 2020 season. He led the Nationwide League with 209 innings within the common season in Washington’s title yr, then threw one other 36⅓ within the postseason whereas going 5-0.

Washington rewarded him with a $245 million, seven-year contract earlier than the 2020 season, however he has made a complete of seven begins since.

On Might 24, Strasburg allowed three runs in 2⅔ innings for Class A Fredericksburg. He struck out three batters whereas strolling 4. Earlier than the sport, Martinez mentioned the membership was planning for Strasburg to work 4 innings and throw 60-plus pitches. He completed with 61 pitches, together with 31 strikes, and topped out at 94 mph towards the Salem Crimson Sox.

Washington enters the Marlins sequence at 21-35 and in final place within the NL East.

The Related Press contributed to this report.