WASHINGTON – Rookie sensation
Stephen Strasburg has been scratched from his scheduled start for the
Washington Nationals against the Atlanta Braves because he was having
trouble getting loose in the bullpen.
Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo
says "there's no pain in the arm" and that it was his decision to have
the right-handed pitcher sit out Tuesday night's game as a
"precautionary move." Rizzo says Strasburg is being examined by a team
doctor and his status is day-to-day.
About a minute before the scheduled
beginning of the game, the Nationals said Strasburg would be replaced on
the mound by Miguel Batista. When that news was relayed to the crowd at
Nationals Park over the loudspeakers, there were some boos from fans.
Strasburg is 5-2 with a 2.32 ERA.