For the second year in a row, Stephen Strasburg’s season came to a premature end as a result of an injury that did not quite leave him alone.
A day after the pitcher met with a specialist, manager Dave Martinez announced Tuesday that Strasburg will undergo season-ending surgery to treat the condition known as rib cage syndrome.
Martinez said the team expects Strasburg to be ready for the 2022 season.
Strasburg hasn’t pitched in a game since leaving his June 1 outing against the Braves after just 1.1 innings of work.
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The three-time All-Star player felt discomfort after a bullpen session on July 9 as he tried to get in tune to return.
The pain passed and Strasburg returned to throwing balls on flat ground without problems, but he experienced the same sensation after a bullpen session on July 21.
It was at that point that the Nationals decided that he should be seen by another neck specialist on Monday, which ended up sparking on Tuesday’s news.
Strasburg’s season ended having thrown just 21.2 innings in five starts.
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