Stephen Strasburg headed for MRI on elbow after leaving return start

The Washington Nationals were hoping Stephen Strasburg’s return on Wednesday would provide an extra boost to their postseason outlook. Instead, they’re left wondering what his immediate and perhaps long-term future will hold after he felt a pinch in the back of his right elbow.

Manager Dusty Baker announced that Strasburg will undergo an MRI on Thursday, with the hope being that Strasburg has only suffered a minor setback.

Strasburg was forced to leave Washington’s 5-4 win against Atlanta in the third inning.

It’s an ominous development considering Strasburg’s history of arm issues, which includes Tommy John surgery in 2010. He was just activated off the 15-day disabled list after missing three weeks with discomfort in his right elbow. His last major-league appearance came on Aug. 17.

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Strasburg also missed two weeks leading up to the All-Star break with an upper back strain. That’s unrelated to his arm, but it further highlights how difficult it’s been for the 28-year-old right-hander to stay healthy.

In his first 17 starts this season, Strasburg was exceptional, posting a 13-0 record with a 2.51 ERA. He’s since lost four of six decisions and now has a 3.59 ERA in 23 starts this season not including Wednesday’s abbreviated outing.

Needless to say, it will be a sleepless night for many people in Washington. The result of Strasburg’s MRI may not only have a huge impact on the Nationals postseason hopes, but it could potentially hinder his future as well.

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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at bigleaguestew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!

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