A day after announcing that Stephen Strasburg will start only twice more this season, Washington Nationals manager Davey Johnson met with the star right-hander to explain the decision.
Johnson was joined by general manager Mike Rizzo and pitching coach Steve McCatty.
Strasburg, who is 15-6 with a 2.94 ERA and leads the National League with 195 strikeouts, had Tommy John surgery to replace an elbow ligament two years ago.
“I’m not sure any of us understand,” Johnson said. “But it’s the right thing to do.”
For months, Johnson has been peppered with questions about the Nationals’ plan and he always said the team would limit the ace pitcher’s innings. Strasburg has thrown 1561/2. He has averaged just under six innings in his 27 starts.
“I’ve listened to all the gurus. I’ve had all the advice. None of it made much sense,” Johnson said.
Strasburg is projected to make his final two starts on Friday against Miami and on Sept. 12 in New York.
“It’s no secret that Stras is an intense competitor, that he wants to be here, wants to be contributing, wants to be helping and I’m sure it’s probably eating him up more than anybody involved in this whole thing because he wants to be here and helping his teammates,” Johnson said. “He’s worked harder than anybody coming back from that surgery, and this is what you dream about being a part of. I know how he feels.”
The Nationals lead the NL East by 61/2 games over the Atlanta Braves.
“I don’t look at this as the only chance you’re going to get to be in the postseason, the World Series. This team wasn’t just piecemealed together for one year. It was built to last, and we’re trying to make sure it lasts,” Johnson said.
MIAMI’S 6-MAN PLAN
The Miami Marlins plan to use a six-man rotation for the rest of the season, manager Ozzie Guillen says.
Left-hander Wade LeBlanc will start tonight against Milwaukee, pushing right-hander Jacob Turner back a day in a rotation that includes Josh Johnson, Mark Buehrle, Ricky Nolasco and Nathan Eovaldi.
SHORT HOPS
Ex-Mariners infielder Adrian Beltre is hitting .449 with nine home runs, six doubles and 17 RBI in his past 12 games with the Rangers. ... The Mets plan to bring up infielder Jordany Valdespin, outfielder Fred Lewis and relievers Elvis Ramirez, Jeurys Familla, Justin Hampson and Jenrry Mejia. Catcher Rob Johnson and left-hander Tim Byrdak will go on the 60-day disabled list to make room for Hampson and Lewis. ... Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz has played one game since July 18 because of his two stints on the disabled list for a strained Achilles, but general manager Ben Cherington expects the slugger back before the end of the season. ... Reds first baseman Joey Votto went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts Monday in a rehab start with Triple-A Louisville. ... The Twins are expected to call up infielder Eduardo Escobar and reliever Luis Perdomo from Triple-A Rochester today. Escobar was acquired from the White Sox in the Francisco Liriano deal. ... Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez is benching three-time All-Star second baseman Dan Uggla, who is hitting .208 this season. Gonzalez also named Martin Prado as the new starting second baseman.
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