Report: Strasburg has severe nerve damage, shut down from rehab

Washington Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg is dealing with severe nerve damage, sources told Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post.

Strasburg reportedly stopped taking part in rehab activities over a month ago, which has further clouded his major-league future.

The 34-year-old only pitched in one game last season after undergoing surgery to alleviate thoracic outlet syndrome in the summer of 2021. He's been dealing with health complications stemming from the procedure and was shut down in spring training before the 2023 campaign.

Strasburg's plan is to rest and see if he can manage the nerve issues, a source told Dougherty.

The three-time All-Star has only made eight starts since signing a seven-year, $245-million deal in December 2019. The Nationals reportedly don't have any disability insurance attached to the contract.

Strasburg has spent his entire 13-year career with Washington. He was named World Series MVP in 2019 after leading the team to a title. He logged a career-high 245 1/3 innings between the regular season and playoffs that season.