Stephen Strasburg is headed for a stint on the 10-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation, retroactive to April 15, the Nationals announced Sunday morning.
Washington had insisted nothing was wrong with Strasburg after his disastrous start against the St. Louis Cardinals on April 13.
In that game, Strasburg grinded through four innings, allowing eight hits, eight runs and five walks. His velocity was noticeably down, which Strasburg chalked up to poor mechanics rather than an injury. During the contest, a camera at Busch Stadium showed Strasburg feeling the area between his right shoulder and neck, but manager Dave Martinez said trainers didn’t notice anything wrong with the right-hander.
But Strasburg will miss his scheduled Sunday start, with the Nationals calling up 34-year-old right-hander Paolo Espino in his place.
Strasburg’s injury is one of many for Washington right now. This weekend, Martinez said reliever Luis Avilan tore his UCL, and he was debating whether to undergo surgery or hope rehab would amend the problem. The Nationals also placed reliever Wander Suero on the injured list with a left oblique strain.
Kyle McGowin and Ryne Harper have been called up in their place in the bullpen.
• Andy Kostka can be reached at akostka@washingtontimes.com.
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