Strasburg eyes spring for mound return
2009 No. 1 draft pick has dislocation in left knee joint
Last Updated: Friday, November 20, 2009 | 9:38 PM ET
The Associated Press
Stephen Strasburg has been scratched from his start in the Arizona Fall League championship game because of a dislocation in his knee joint. (Lenny Ignelzi/Associated Press)The Washington Nationals say No. 1 draft pick Stephen Strasburg has a dislocation in his left knee joint and should be fine for spring training in late February.
Strasburg was examined Friday by Dr. Lewis Yocum in Los Angeles. The Nationals said the highly touted hurler would not require surgery, and that treatment will include rest and physical therapy.
The San Diego State right-hander twisted his knee during a workout Thursday and has been scratched from his start in the Arizona Fall League championship game.
Strasburg also was held out of a scheduled start in the Arizona Fall League Rising Stars game Nov. 7 because of a strained neck muscle.
Strasburg signed a record $15.1-million US contract in August after being the top pick in June's amateur draft.
At six feet four and 220 pounds, and with a fastball that can reach 100 miles per hour, Strasburg is projected to be precisely the sort of ace the Nationals have lacked since moving from Montreal to the nation's capital before the 2005 season.
He had a 13-1 record last season, leading Division I pitchers in earned-run average (1.35) and strikeouts (195 in 109 innings), and won the Golden Spikes award for the top U.S. amateur baseball player.
The Nationals also hope Strasburg can help boost interest in the team. Since opening their $600-million-plus stadium for the 2008 season, the Nationals have struggled to attract fans.
They went 59-103 last season, matching their win total from the 2008 campaign.
