Stephen Strasburg throws bullpen session in Nationals Park + Scott Boras on Strasburg working his way back...

WASHINGTON, D.C.: There was some good news out of Nationals Park on Tuesday. Long before the Washington Nationals dropped the second straight game to Boston’s Red Sox, Stephen Strasburg threw a bullpen session in the nation’s capital.

Strasburg, 29, is currently on the Disabled List, recovering from inflammation in his right shoulder, but he took another step in his rehab as he progresses towards a return to the rotation.

“He threw really well,” manager Davey Martinez told reporters in his pregame press conference.

“Around 60 pitches. I think the next step will be getting him in a [simulated] game some time maybe this weekend, but we’ll see how he feels tomorrow.”

Strasburg landed on the DL on June 9th after experiencing discomfort in his shoulder.

Before the issue cropped up, the Nationals’ 2009 No. 1 overall pick was (6-6) in 13 starts, with a 3.46 ERA, 3.54 FIP, 19 walks (2.12 BB/9), 95 Ks (10.60 K/9), and a .227/.281/.399 line against over 80 ²⁄₃ innings.

Strasburg’s agent, Scott Boras, in Washington with 2018 1st Round pick Mason Denaburg, who signed a $3M deal with the Nationals, talked to reporters after the newest prospect was introduced to D.C. about the progress Strasburg is making as he works his way back, and his focus as he continues to learn what it takes to compete at this level.

Nationals drop second straight to Sox, drop to .500 on the season:

Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

LINK: Nationals’ 11-4 loss to Red Sox leaves them 42-42 overall in 2018...

“Stras is so good at self-directing and understanding and I think when he comes back he is going to be more directed towards home plate and [have] a better feel for mechanically what he is doing,” Boras said.

“Look, this man is still to this day the greatest amateur I have ever seen throw,” Boras added.

“He is so strong. He’s so gifted. It’s just a matter of him getting on point health-wise, but when you’re that strong you have to really be guarded. It’s like an engine and a steering wheel, you have to make sure your steering wheel is really big when you have that kind of engine, and I think as he’s going through the stepping stones of this that he’s getting more aware about what makes him — both in his delivery adjustments and now in his direction of how he’s coming and driving towards home plate.

“I expect him to be healthy, dominant, and Stephen Strasburg.”