Filed under: Nationals, MLB Injuries

Nationals star Stephen Strasburg was scratched from Tuesday’s start against the Braves after he had trouble getting loose in the bullpen before the game, but subsequent tests showed no significant damage.

Strasburg was diagnosed with stiffness and inflammation in his right shoulder and listed as day-to-day, but general manager Mike Rizzo said he essentially passed the two main tests: MRI and X-ray results that showed nothing seriously wrong with the pitcher’s arm.

Less than 20 minutes before game time, Strasburg’s pregame warmup in the bullpen was cut short and Miguel Batista was chosen to replace him. The crowd at Nationals Park booed when the change was announced on the stadium public address system.

Rizzo told media that Strasburg had “trouble getting loose” and would undergo tests, adding that Strasburg showed “no symptoms” of any problems in the days leading up to his start. Rizzo emphasized that Strasburg wasn’t feeling pain but simply didn’t feel comfortable on the bullpen mound. Rizzo made the decision to pull the plug on Strasburg’s start.

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