Strasburg admits uncertain future amid injury concerns: 'Clock is ticking'
Washington Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg isn't sure when or if he'll pitch in another major-league game.
The 34-year-old is currently on the IL with a stress reaction in his ribs and has made just one start this season.
"I realize the clock is ticking," Strasburg told The Washington Post's Jesse Dougherty. "It's been almost three years since I've been able to pitch competitively, and it's not like I'm getting younger."
Strasburg threw 209 innings and helped the Nationals win the 2019 World Series. However, he's struggled to stay healthy since signing a seven-year, $245-million contract in December 2019, making just eight starts since 2020.
The three-time All-Star underwent surgery to alleviate thoracic outlet syndrome last season and admits the recovery has been challenging.
"I've been doing very minimal exercises, and I've seen some improvements as far as the way my shoulder is sitting," Strasburg said. "But I feel like the strength is not quite there, and I'm not really sure what the future holds."
Strasburg has been able to bounce back from injuries in the past but concedes this ailment has been particularly difficult.
"I feel like every time I've had an injury, I felt like I was going to be the best there is coming back. … This is the one that's still definitely a big question mark," he said.
Strasburg was drafted first overall in 2009. He owns a lifetime 113-62 record with a 3.24 ERA, 3.02 FIP, and 1,723 strikeouts across 1,470 innings.