Nationals rookie pitcher Stephen Strasburg underwent an MRI exam on his injured right forearm Sunday, and the organization will announce the results Monday.
The 22-year-old right-hander was diagnosed with a strained flexor tendon in the fifth inning of an 8-1 victory at Philadelphia on Saturday night. He was pulled from the game by manager Jim Riggleman immediately after wincing visibly following a 1-1 change-up to Phillies outfielder Domonic Brown.
Washington general manager Mike Rizzo told reporters before Sunday’s game with Philadelphia that it was “inaccurate” to say Strasburg’s 2010 season is over.
Team doctor Wiemi Douoguih was expected to examine the MRI results Sunday evening. Strasburg completed his normal post-start workout and did some light throwing in the morning in Philadelphia before returning to the District for his MRI.
Rizzo said Strasburg experienced a similar forearm problem in college at San Diego State but was able to pitch through it. He was making his third start since returning from the 15-day disabled list with a sore shoulder. Strasburg was scratched just minutes before a July 27 start at Nationals Park against the Atlanta Braves because of that injury.
The organization’s plan all season was to limit Strasburg to a maximum 160 combined minor league and major league innings. After Saturday’s game, in which he allowed no runs and just two hits in 41⁄3 innings, Strasburg is up to 1231⁄3 innings pitched in 2010 — 68 of those in Washington. Riggleman said Strasburg is unlikely to make his next scheduled start Thursday against the St. Louis Cardinals.
