Tommy John knows what Stephen Strasburg is going through. After all, the surgery Strasburg is on the mend from was named after him.
So John went on ESPN Radio on Thursday to discuss the Nationals' plan to shut down their ace pitcher in the hopes of avoiding long-term injury. When comparing his situation to Strasburg's, the former pitcher did not agree with Washington's decision-making process.
"I would hope the general manager has a degree in orthopedic surgery, or at least kinesiology or physiology," he said, "and I don't think [Nationals GM] Mike Rizzo has any of that.
"There's no guarantee that [if] you're shutting Strasburg down, that he's going to be healthy down the road," John continued. "You want him healthy. I understand that. He's the franchise. But you know what? The golden ring only comes around on the merry go round maybe one time. There's no guarantee that if you keep Strasburg out this year and keep him healthy for next year, next year, next year, that you're gonna win."
John also pointed out that he never missed a start in the 13 years he pitched after he had his landmark surgery, and that he managed 207 innings the very next season.
Strasburg's innings limit has been set around 180 by the team, and despite all the doubters, they have not budged on their stance.
