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Nationals place Stephen Strasburg on 15-Day DL with upper back strain

Washington Nationals' right-hander Stephen Strasburg couldn't answer the call in either of his last two turns in the rotation, so the Nats placed the 27-year-old right-hander on the 15-Day DL this afternoon with an upper back strain.

By Patrick Reddington
Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Stephen Strasburg missed his scheduled start against Clayton Kershaw and the Los Angeles Dodgers earlier this week with what was originally described as an upper back strain suffered while he was working out in preparation for the outing.

Strasburg and the Nationals both hoped the 27-year-old right-hander would be able to return to the rotation this afternoon for his planned start against the Milwaukee Brewers, but after the Nats' loss in Miller Park on Saturday, reporters were told that Strasburg suffered a flare-up of the issue which required that he have his ribs "popped" back into place earlier this week.

This afternoon, the Nationals announced that the '09 No.1 overall pick was being placed on the 15-Day DL retroactive to June 16th.

No word from the Nationals as to who will take the righty's turn in the rotation while he's out. Could the Nationals turn to top prospect Lucas Giolito, who's currently pitching at Double-A Harrisburg? A.J. Cole, who's on the 40-Man roster, pitched on Sunday (today). Austin Voth has continued to impress this season as part of the rotation alongside Cole at Triple-A Syracuse. Double-A right-hander Reynaldo Lopez has been on a roll in recent outings, piling up Ks, and is one of the top-ranked starters in the system.

As several writers covering team noted, right-hander Taylor Jordan, who underwent Tommy John surgery, could potentially be placed on the 60-Day DL if the Nationals need to add a starter to the 40-Man roster.

Washington's PR team announced that there will be an announcement on a roster move tomorrow.

Through 14 starts this season, Strasburg, who signed a 7-year/$175M extension earlier this season, is (10-0) with a 2.90 ERA, a 2.83 FIP, 24 walks (2.32 BB/9) and 118 Ks 11.42 K/9) in 93 IP, over which he's held opposing hitters to a combined .218/.275/.346 line.

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