Wire Taps: Washington Nationals’ Stephen Strasburg talks surgery; return; Nats hard at work in West Palm Beach + more...

Stephen Strasburg’s got hot takes. Par exemple? Take this take on MLB taking steps to take some of the life out of their baseballs.

“I mean, it’s — you still got to make the pitch. I don’t know, kind of when they’re deadening the ball, did they do something before to have to go back to it?”

Good question. Anything else, Stras?

“For me, it’s my job to go out there and compete whether I’m throwing a major league baseball, tennis ball, wiffle ball, whatever, I’ve still got to try to go out there and try to get the hitter out.”

Word. Go read your links.

NATS BEAT:

Strasburg Stories:

Nats ace Strasburg says 'numbness in my whole hand' led to carpal tunnel surgery - (CBC Sports)
"The nerve issue in Stephen Strasburg's wrist that ended his 2020 season after five innings would get aggravated every time he threw a baseball, he said Sunday, and 'basically would go from numbness in my thumb to numbness in my whole hand.'"

After injury wiped out 2020, Strasburg healthy and determined - (MASN)
"Doctors had a diagnosis for Strasburg, an unusual one for professional athletes: Carpal tunnel neuritis."

Stephen Strasburg is back without numbness, ready to go for Nationals - (Washington Times)
"The surgery took just 15 minutes. But when Stephen Strasburg woke up, his wrist wrapped in bandages, the Washington Nationals right-hander knew the operation had been a success."

Stephen Strasburg details numbness in hand pre-surgery, feels ready for 2021 - (NBC Sports Washington)
"The 2019 World Series MVP said he's been working with the Nationals' physical training staff to help strengthen everything around his thumb..."

Healthy Stras 'knew something wasn't right' - (MLB.com)
"Weeks of discomfort were alleviated by a quick, 15-minute surgery that has Stephen Strasburg back on track for the 2021 season."

Stephen Strasburg is confident that carpal tunnel issues are behind him - (WaPost)
“He has thrown one bullpen session in West Palm Beach, Fla., and is on track for another. If that goes well, there will be another. Then another.”

Other Nats Stories:

Increased time behind plate won't be new for Gomes - (MASN)
"Are the Nationals really about to hand over that much workload to the 33-year-old who the last two seasons served as a backup to Kurt Suzuki?"

Dave Martinez settles in at fourth Nationals spring training - (WaPost)
“The Washington Nationals’ manager carries a fungo bat because it feels natural in his hands. And by doing so, by living as if the wood is glued to his fingers, he carries each past version of himself.”

Notes: Ross eyes rotation; Gomes gears up - (MLB.com)
"Joe Ross had set himself apart as the top candidate for the Nationals’ fifth starting pitcher in 2020 before he elected not to play last season, and that focus hasn’t changed for ‘21."

Ross easing back, Guerra still home, spring tickets go on sale - (MASN)
"Though he threw 104 combined innings between the majors and minors in 2019, Ross’ year off alters his projections to some extent."

Washington Nationals Spring Training Dave Martinez - (wusa9.com)
"Washington Nationals Spring Training 2021 has a different look, especially for those of us looking on from here in D.C."

LERNER BEAT:

A video message to Nationals fans from Mark D. Lerner - (Curly W Live)
"Welcome to the 17th season of Nationals baseball! We are so excited that the 2021 season is underway at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches."

NL EAST UPDATES:

‘Sky’s the limit’ for Phillies’ Zack Wheeler, who feels good after fingernail surgery - (Philadelphia Inquirer)
"Zack Wheeler had surgery this offseason for the second time in his career to repair his fingernail, which ripped off while he was putting on a pair of jeans."

Jordan Yamamoto out to earn Mets rotation spot, uniform number - (NY Post)
"Jordan Yamamoto grew up in Hawaii, which also produced Sid Fernandez — a key starting pitcher for the Mets’ last World Series winning team in 1986."

Notes: Camp 'really exciting' for Banfield - (MLB.com)
"Will Banfield, Miami's No. 30 prospect per MLB Pipeline, and the other backstops are tasked with being the eyes and ears of the organization."

Charlie Morton: It’s nice to put Braves uniform back on - (AJC.com)
"Morton, a Braves prospect over a decade ago, returned to the organization that nurtured him into a major leaguer this winter."