Photo by Ian Koski / Nationals Daily News
Stephen Strasburg’s first start back from the 15 day disabled list against the Florida Marlins can best be described in one word – rusty.
The evening resulted in an 8-2 loss, his third of the season, and was the shortest outing of his Major League career after 4.1 innings.
Both of the Nationals runs were unearned. Marlins starter Anibal Sanchez was dominant, shutting down the first six Nats he faced before ending a short lived no-hit bid in the third thanks to a single by Ivan Rodriguez.
The biggest weakness facing Washington tonight besides Strasburg’s rust and quit bats was Josh Willingham’s defense in left field. Florida seemed to really like knocking their hits to that side of the field tonight, keeping Willingham on his toes.
“You know when the ball’s hit on the line right at you like that there’s not too many times you’re going to be able to make the play,” Rigglman said. “Those are the toughest balls. When they’re hit hard right at you, you don’t know whether to hold your ground or back up and I really didn’t feel like they were catchable balls.”
The Washington bullpen saw quite a bit of action due to Strasburg’s early exit. Both of the team’s long relievers entered the game with Miguel Batista pitching 2/3 of an inning and Crag Stammen making his first relief appearance with the Nationals going two full innings, giving up a run in the sixth.
Doug Slaten continued his scoreless streak which is now up to seven consecutive innings.
Despite the loss and Strasburg’s struggles, the Nationals pitching staff did have something to smile about — they struck out the Marlins 10 times while the Nats got caught with a K 6 times. It’s not much, but it’s something.
As of now, there is no cause for concern regarding Strasburg’s health or mechanics. It’s just a part of the growing pains he’ll have to endure as his career continues. He is still just a 22-year-old rookie after all.
“We’ve raised the bar very high for Stephen and maybe unfairly but I think he’s going to be fine and he’ll be better next time out.”
Check back later Wednesday morning for more on the pre-game festivities honoring Hall of Fame Class of 2010 inductee Andre Dawson of the Montreal Expos.
Rachel moved to DC in the fall of 2005 to study Journalism and Music at American University. When she’s not keeping up with the latest Major League Baseball news, she works on making music as an accomplished singer-songwriter and was even a featured performer/speaker at TEDxDupont Circle in 2012. Rachel has also contributed to The Washington Examiner and MASN Sports’ Nationals Buzz as a guest blogger. See why she loves DC. E-Mail: rachel@welovedc.com.
Strasburg threw only one changeup in his first 30 pitches or so, which pretty much took him out of his game. He didn’t have confidence in it, and the free-swinging Marlins sat on fastballs. To be able to gut through a start when you don’t have your best stuff is something you get through experience.
Is it just me, or do the stands look fairly empty for a Strasburg game?
It isn’t just you, Max. The total paid attendance was 25,939, which is the smallest home crowd for Strasburg start by 6,000 people.