Stephen Strasburg's professional debut took place this afternoon in a Florida Instructional League outing against the Detroit Tigers' prospects. Strasburg took the mound just after 1:00 pm EST. The Nationals' '09 #1 pick was wearing Washington's navy blue Spring Training jerseys with the red curly-W cap and the blue socks pulled high. The 21-year-old, 6'2'', right-hander struck out the first batter he faced with a two-strike heater that froze the Tigers' hitter. ESPN didn't bother with the names of Detroit's players or any graphics showing the count, but it was clear from the late swings and foul balls that Strasburg was already dialing it up. The second batter Strasburg faced flew out to left field. The third Tiger to come up got a good look at Strasburg's breaking ball, and he went down chasing for a quick 1-2-3 frame.
Strasburg completed two innings on the mound, but the Nationals' starter gave up a few hits and a run the second time around, though ESPN was talking football and then in commercials when he was throwing. ESPN Analyst and former GM Steve Phillips remarked that Strasburg would have to "clean up" his delivery, but said no one had hit the right-hander particularly hard, and Mr. Phillips then went on to compare Strasburg to one of Detroit's own starters, Justin Verlander and declare Strasburg's pro debut a success...
Updates when more info is available...