Steven Strasburg

The Washington Nationals have said repeatedly that they will shut down the young righty Steven Strasburg, who is recovering from Tommy John Surgery.    It is common practice to limit the innings of pitchers coming back from Tommy John, there is medical evidence to back this up.   First it was 160 innings now its closer to 180 innings before the organization stuts Steven down.  Steven has pitched 145 and a third innings to this point, and will have about eight starts remaining (he will be shut down before) in the rotation this season (plus possible playoffs) he is going to get to his innings limit before the end of the season.  (at 6+ innings a start he has about 5 or 6 starts left)  Their has been the thought that the Nationals shouldn't shut Steven down in the middle of a playoff race.  Shutting Strasburg down and not letting him start in a playoff games is not be a popular choice.  You can't really argue with what the Nationals are steadfast on doing, except for the fact that they are in all likelihood going to be a playoff team, and they won't be letting their young ace take the ball.  What I would have done, is I probably would have left him down in spring training a little longer (a month) and not brought him north with the team right away that way you get another four or so starts out of him.  The problem is that the Washington Nationals didn't know they would be this good and on the verge of the playoffs, if they had left Steven in spring training for an another month they might not have been good and pressured to bring him up of they may have not gotten to his limit.  One way or another National fans might have been disappointed, he doesn't start the season or your good and now he won't pitch in the playoffs.