Photo by Lynn G for TalkNats
We were assured five days ago that Stephen Strasburg was healthy after his 8-run drubbing in St. Louis. Even after a rogue video clip was shown on the TV feed of Strasburg in the tunnel massaging his own shoulder area, both manager Dave Martinez and Strasburg denied anything was wrong while they seemed to be more upset at the St. Louis media for showing the clip. Less than two hours before first pitch, Strasburg was officially placed on the 10-day IL (backdated the maximum 3-days) for right shoulder inflammation that showed up on an MRI. Is anybody shocked? It is Strasburg’s 13th stint on the IL in his MLB career.
Also as expected, Wander Suero will join Strasburg on the 10-day IL. Suero injured his oblique in yesterday’s game and was replaced by Kyle McGowin. The corresponding moves will activate RHP Paolo Espino to start today’s game in place of Strasburg, and Ryne Harper will take Suero’s place in the bullpen.
The Nats have won 2-games in a row, and three of their last four games, and the team is now 4-2 with their “A” lineup that returned from the COVID IL on Monday. Since this is a 4-game series against the Diamondbacks, the Nats must win today to clinch this series in the W column.
With LHP Madison Bumgarner starting for the Diamondbacks today, Martinez is going with a right-handed dominant lineup today. The struggling Josh Bell (batting .143) will sit today in favor of Ryan Zimmerman who will play first base.
Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Washington Nationals
Stadium: Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
1st Pitch: 1:05 pm EDT
TV: MASN, BALLY Sports Arizona, MLB.TV
Nats Radio: 106.7 FM The Fan; SiriusXM® ( Streaming Internet 869)
Line-ups subject to change without notice:
1. Trea Turner SS
2. Juan Soto RF
3. Ryan Zimmerman 1B
4. Starlin Castro 3B
5. Josh Harrison 2B
6. Kyle Schwarber LF
7. Yan Gomes C
8. Victor Robles CF
9. Paolo Espino RHP
