Stephen Strasburg stops rehab, remains shut down

Stephen Strasburg remains shut down from all baseball activities amid a report that said the Washington Nationals pitcher’s career could be in jeopardy over nerve damage, manager Dave Martinez said Sunday. 

The 34-year-old hasn’t pitched in a game since last June and has dealt with complications from thoracic outlet syndrome since 2021. The Washington Post reported over the weekend that Strasburg stopped all physical activity more than a month ago — increasing doubt over whether the former World Series MVP will ever pitch again. Strasburg, the paper reported, has “severe nerve damage” and plans to rest in hopes to manage the issue.

“Everything is still the same,” Martinez said. “He’s shut down right now from baseball activity and I know he’s working hard. I can’t say exactly what the outcome is going to be. I really can’t. But I know it’s been frustrating for him. … I wish Stephen the best, no matter what happens. I just want him to get healthy.”

Staying healthy has been a challenge for Strasburg throughout his career. But his problems started to worsen beginning in 2020, not long after he signed a seven-year, $245 million contract to remain with Washington. That year, Strasburg underwent season-ending carpel tunnel surgery — before eventually needing a procedure to address thoracic outlet syndrome. That surgery, the Post reported, required doctors to remove a rib and two muscles from Strasburg’s neck. 

Strasburg has pitched just 31⅓ innings since signing his mega-deal. According to the Post, the Nationals did not purchase disability insurance for Strasburg’s contract because of the high premiums that would have likely been associated with the policy given the pitcher’s extensive injury history and age.

Strasburg is now eligible to come off the Nationals’ 60-day injury list, but the team has no plans to activate him. The pitcher will need clearance before he attempts to rehabilitate the injury further. He stopped his previous rehabilitation after feeling pain, tingling and numbness. 

There are three years left remaining on Strasburg’s contract after this season.