Washington Nationals starting pitchers Stephen Strasburg (neck, shoulder) and Joe Ross (elbow) are both slated to face live hitters for the first time on Wednesday. Both players threw bullpen sessions last week, with Strasburg tossing 37 pitches and Ross tossing 30. Ross is currently on the 60-day injured list and he isn't eligible to return until early June. Strasburg, meanwhile, could potentially make his season debut at some point later this month if he avoids setbacks. If Wednesday goes well for him, he'll likely be set out on a rehab assignment.

Washington Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg (neck) threw a 27-pitch bullpen session in West Palm Beach, Florida on Friday. Strasburg made just five starts in 2021 before undergoing surgery to alleviate thoracic outlet syndrome. The veteran right-hander and the Nationals were initially hoping to have him back in early May but that timetable seems unlikely given that he has yet to face live hitters and will need to make several rehab starts in the minors. Fantasy managers stashing Strasburg will want to keep holding on as he can be a difference-maker upon his return.

Washington Nationals starting pitchers Stephen Strasburg (neck, shoulder) and Joe Ross (elbow) are not yet facing hitters, according to manager Dave Martinez. Ross is nearing a bullpen session, though. Strasburg made only five starts last season before undergoing surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome. The 33-year-old will surely need a lengthy rehab assignment before returning, so it's looking more and more unlikely that he'll be ready to make his season debut for the Nationals in early May. Despite his injury history, Stras is worthy of being stashed in all leagues. Ross had surgery in the offseason to remove a bone spur from his right elbow, but he looks to be closer to returning than Strasburg. The 28-year-old had a career-high 23.7% strikeout rate last year in 108 innings.

Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (neck) has been having his usual eventful offseason. His shoulder has reportedly fully recovered from thoracic outlet surgery, but he is still being eased back into things and he's dealing with a neck injury as well. Nationals GM Mike Rizzo was interviewed on the DC-based sports radio show The Junkies on Wednesday morning and said that Strasburg had tweaked his delivery so that he's putting less pressure on his arm. Rizzo also added that it was a "possibility" that he would return to the field by May 1. However, Rizzo also added that he didn't want to put a timeline on things. It remains a waiting game for the oft-injured pitcher. He's certainly worthy of stashing in an IL spot in deep leagues, but buckle up for an eventful ride.

Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (neck) is scheduled to start facing live hitters again next week. Strasburg will stay in West Palm Beach as he continues to build his arm up. Joe Ross (elbow) will also stay in Florida and is now throwing on flat ground from up to 90 feet. Strasburg, 33, made only five starts last season, but the Nationals want the veteran right-hander to remain in the rotation when he's healthy. That might not come until mid-May, but Washington is hopefully optimistic that he can make around 20 to 25 starts in 2022. Strasburg has thrown only 26 2/3 major league innings in the last two seasons and is trying to return from thoracic outlet surgery.

Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (shoulder) is throwing bullpen sessions after having surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome. However, the Nationals are being cautious with the veteran right-hander, and he may not make his 2022 debut until the middle of May. Manager Dave Martinez is still expecting 20-25 starts from Stras this year, but fantasy managers may not want to be that optimistic given his history with injuries. The 33-year-old has thrown only 26 2/3 major league innings over the last two seasons and will obviously be a big injury risk in fantasy drafts. RotoBaller currently has Strasburg ranked as the No. 81 fantasy starter as we approach Opening Day next week.

Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (neck) is no longer rehabbing from thoracic outlet surgery, according to Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo. Instead, he is currently preparing for the season. Rizzo also added that the team "won't fully know how things are until he's letting it rip off the mound." The 33-year-old Strasburg is being drafted outside the top-200 in fantasy drafts right now. The low ADP is a result of his recent injuries and his struggles when he's been healthy the last two years. Last season, he made just five starts and went 1-2 with a 4.57 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP. We all know he has high upside when he's right, so make sure to stay tuned for more updates on his progress as he could be a steal late in drafts.

Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said he's "hopeful" pitcher Stephen Strasburg (neck) will be ready by Spring Training. He underwent season-ending thoracic outlet surgery in late July. The 33-year-old dealt with right shoulder inflammation earlier in the year, then suffered a neck strain that eventually led to his season-ending surgery. In the past two seasons, Strasburg has thrown just 26 2/3 innings and will be a risky pick in upcoming 2022 fantasy drafts. The 2019 World Series MVP went 1-2 with a 4.57 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, and a 21:14 K: BB over 21 1/3 innings in 2021.

Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (neck) is set to begin a throwing program on November 2, according to Nationals manager Davey Martinez. Strasburg underwent season-ending thoracic outlet surgery in late July. 2021 was an injury-plagued season for Strasburg, who had right shoulder inflammation earlier in the year, then suffered a neck strain that eventually led to his season-ending surgery. He made just five starts this year and went 1-2 with a 4.57 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP. If he stays on schedule, he should be ready for spring training next year.

The Washington Nationals transferred starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (neck) to the 60-day injured list on Wednesday. The move wasn't a surprise as Strasburg underwent neurogenic thoracic outlet surgery in late July. He will be out for the remainder of the 2021 season. Strasburg was only able to make five starts this year. Over those five starts, he went 1-2 with a 4.57 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP. The Nationals are hopeful that he will be ready for spring training in 2022, but they will certainly be cautious and patient with his rehabilitation given his injury history.

A look at what’s happening around the majors today: ___ BIG NAMES TEST POSITIVE COVID-19 continues to impact major league rosters more than 16 months after spring training was shut down in 2020 because of the coronavirus. The Washington Nationals will likely be without star shortstop Trea Turner for the next several days, while the Milwaukee Brewers will be missing 2018 NL MVP Christian Yelich for more than a week. Turner and Yelich recently tested positive. Yelich and teammate Jace Peterson were placed on the COVID-19 injured list Tuesday. Turner was pulled in the first inning of Tuesday night's game at Philadelphia. Turner began the day batting .320 with 18 home runs and 49 RBIs. He singled and scored in the first inning, then headed directly up the tunnel toward the Nationals' clubhouse and was replaced in the bottom of the first. The Phillies announced later in the game that Turner had tested positive, ending speculation that he was lifted for a possible pending trade or due to injury.... [More]

A look at what’s happening around the majors on Wednesday: ___ BIG NAMES TEST POSITIVE COVID-19 continues to impact major league rosters more than 16 months after spring training was shut down in 2020 because of the coronavirus. The Washington Nationals will likely be without star shortstop Trea Turner for the next several days, while the Milwaukee Brewers will be missing 2018 NL MVP Christian Yelich for more than a week. Turner and Yelich recently tested positive. Yelich and teammate Jace Peterson were placed on the COVID-19 injured list Tuesday. Turner was pulled in the first inning of Tuesday night's game at Philadelphia. Turner began the day batting .320 with 18 home runs and 49 RBIs. He singled and scored in the first inning, then headed directly up the tunnel toward the Nationals' clubhouse and was replaced in the bottom of the first. The Phillies announced later in the game that Turner had tested positive, ending speculation that he was lifted for a possible pending trade or due... [More]

The Seattle Mariners have worked their way into the postseason race — one run at a time. The Mariners improved to 23-8 in one-run games, and that remarkable record has them just 1 1/2 games behind Oakland for the second wild card in the American League. Seattle has been outscored by 52 runs on the season, but the Mariners are eight games over .500. This last series against the Athletics was a microcosm of Seattle's season. The Mariners lost 4-1 in the opener before taking three straight one-run games. Although there are still reasons to doubt that Seattle will be in the playoffs in the end, there is understandable excitement surrounding this team. The Mariners haven't made the postseason since 2001 — the longest drought in baseball. The Miami Marlins ended what was the second-longest absence during last year's shortened season. They qualified for the first time since 2003 Seattle is seven games behind first-place Houston, and the Mariners have a chance to cut into that gap during a three-game... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors today: ___ STAR STARTERS The White Sox and Brewers close a weekend full of impressive pitching matchups in Milwaukee with arguably the best of the bunch Sunday night. Lance Lynn (9-3, 1.94 ERA) starts for the White Sox against Brandon Woodruff (7-4, 2.04) in a duel of All-Star right-handers. The NL Central-leading Brewers started Freddy Peralta and Corbin Burnes earlier in this series, while the AL Central-leading White Sox turned to Lucas Giolito and Carlos Rodón. Of those six starting pitchers, Giolito is the only one who didn’t make the All-Star Game this season. According to STATS LLC, this is the first three-game series in major league history to feature five All-Star starting pitchers from the current season. “It’s exciting,” said injured Chicago catcher Yasmani Grandal, who worked with these Brewers pitchers while playing for Milwaukee in 2019. “That’s what you want to see — having two young teams having high-caliber guys coming in and... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors on Sunday: ___ STAR STARTERS The White Sox and Brewers close a weekend full of impressive pitching matchups in Milwaukee with arguably the best of the bunch Sunday night. Lance Lynn (9-3, 1.94 ERA) starts for the White Sox against Brandon Woodruff (7-4, 2.04) in a duel of All-Star right-handers. The NL Central-leading Brewers started Freddy Peralta and Corbin Burnes earlier in this series, while the AL Central-leading White Sox turned to Lucas Giolito and Carlos Rodón. Of those six starting pitchers, Giolito is the only one who didn’t make the All-Star Game this season. According to STATS LLC, this is the first three-game series in major league history to feature five All-Star starting pitchers from the current season. “It’s exciting,” said injured Chicago catcher Yasmani Grandal, who worked with these Brewers pitchers while playing for Milwaukee in 2019. “That’s what you want to see — having two young teams having high-caliber guys coming in... [More]

BALTIMORE (AP) — Washington Nationals ace Max Scherzer was scratched from his start at Baltimore on Saturday night with what the team described as mild right triceps discomfort. Manager Dave Martinez said before the game that Scherzer had an MRI and it was “extremely clean” — he's expected to make his next start. Jon Lester is starting Saturday in his place. Scherzer is 7-4 with a 2.83 ERA in 18 starts this season. The three-time Cy Young Award winner, who turns 37 on Tuesday, has been the subject of trade speculation as the Nationals continue to struggle. His absence now is another issue for the Washington rotation, which has been without Stephen Strasburg since early June because of lingering neck problems. On Friday, Martinez said Strasburg was still having neck discomfort, and the team was trying to figure out what the best course of action was for him going forward. The Nationals also put infielder Jordy Mercer on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to Wednesday, with a left calf strain. Washington recalled infielder Carter Kieboom from Triple-A Rochester. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

A look at what's happening around the majors today: ___ GUARDIANS OF THE GAME After more than 100 years, the Cleveland Indians are getting a new name — the team will be called the Guardians next season. The name change, which has its supporters and critics among Cleveland’s fan base, ends months of internal discussions triggered by a national reckoning for institutions and teams to drop logos and names considered racist. “We do feel like we’re doing the right thing and that’s what’s driving this,” club owner Paul Dolan said Friday. “I know some people disagree, but if anything I’ve gotten more and more comfortable that we’re headed in the right direction.” The organization spent most of the past year whittling down a list of potential names that was at nearly 1,200. Cleveland’s new name was inspired by the large landmark stone edifices — referred to as traffic guardians — that flank both ends of the Hope Memorial Bridge, which connects downtown to Ohio City. ADDING AN ARM The pitching-depleted... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors on Saturday: ___ GUARDIANS OF THE GAME After more than 100 years, the Cleveland Indians are getting a new name — the team will be called the Guardians next season. The name change, which has its supporters and critics among Cleveland’s fan base, ends months of internal discussions triggered by a national reckoning for institutions and teams to drop logos and names considered racist. “We do feel like we’re doing the right thing and that’s what’s driving this,” club owner Paul Dolan said Friday. “I know some people disagree, but if anything I’ve gotten more and more comfortable that we’re headed in the right direction.” The organization spent most of the past year whittling down a list of potential names that was at nearly 1,200. Cleveland’s new name was inspired by the large landmark stone edifices — referred to as traffic guardians — that flank both ends of the Hope Memorial Bridge, which connects downtown to Ohio City. ADDING AN ARM The pitching-depleted... [More]

BALTIMORE (AP) — Stephen Strasburg felt some discomfort in his neck after a recent bullpen session, and Washington manager Dave Martinez said Friday the Nationals are trying to figure out what to do next. “We backed him down again,” Martinez said. “I know they're going to look at some different options, probably see if we can find another specialist for him to go see — but as of right now, this continues to happen to him." Strasburg has made only five starts this season because of neck and shoulder issues. The right-hander, who turned 33 on Tuesday, hasn't pitched since June 1. “When we get Strasburg back, I want him back fully healthy, so we're going to weigh all options here," Martinez said. "He goes out and throws long toss and stuff, and he feels OK. When he throws a bullpen, it irritates him some, so we need to figure that out.” The Nationals entered Friday night's game at Baltimore with a 45-50 record, six games out of first place. They're in danger of missing the postseason for a... [More]

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Across the globe, everybody is watching Shohei Ohtani in awe and intrigue. Major League Baseball can only love the attention from around the world surrounding the Angels' two-way star and the spotlight he's brought to the sport. Can Ohtani keep this up? An encore to a sensational first half? He leads the majors with 33 home runs and has shown no signs of slowing down or slumping — and should soon have a healthy Mike Trout back in the lineup with him. Pitchers across the big leagues are doing their part so far, too. There have already been seven no-hitters in the majors this season, matching the mark for most in one year during the modern era. The record of eight was set in 1884, the first season overhand pitching was allowed. Will Jacob deGrom, Walker Buehler and Gerrit Cole join the list soon? And will the uproar over sticky substances tamp down? Manager Torey Lovullo and the Arizona Diamondbacks are eager for a fresh start, determined to forget that record 24-game... [More]