Washington Nationals “at” Houston Astros: Grapefruit League GameThread

If you have access to the MLB Network, or MLB.tv, you can actually watch this afternoon’s Grapefruit League game between the Washington Nationals and Houston Astros, and it’s Stephen Strasburg on the mound for the “visiting” team at 1:05 PM in the spring home for both clubs.

Strasburg tossed 1 ²⁄₃ scoreless on 38 pitches when he faced the Astros earlier this week, walking one and striking out four in his 2021 spring debut.

Coming off 2020 campaign in which he was limited to two starts and five innings by carpal tunnel neuritis in his right hand, which required surgery, Strasburg, now 32, was just happy to get back out there in competitive action and have a normal start.

“It didn’t really feel any different than it has in past springs, so I guess in a way that’s a relief,” Strasburg told reporters.

“At this point it’s kind of you take it one day at a time and you’re still in the build-up process,” he explained, “so it was good to get out there and get your feet wet in a game situation.

“Typically, for me, it’s not until later on in Spring Training where it seems like everything starts to sync up, so it’s just about taking it one step forward and continuing to work on things in-between.”

Strasburg said he didn’t really have any concerns about the injury, or his surgically-repaired wrist once he got on the mound.

“This isn’t my first rodeo when it comes to injuries and stuff, so I’m kind of at the point where it’s like I’m going to go out there and give it everything I have and roll with the punches.”

“He looked good,” manager Davey Martinez said. “The ball was coming out pretty good. I thought he looked really good.

“I talked to him when he came out and he said he felt good, which is awesome. Now it’s just a matter of continuing to build him up.”

That process continues in this afternoon’s outing, against the Astros, again.

HERE’S THE NATIONALS’ LINEUP FOR THE MATCHUP WITH THE ‘STROS: