Washington Nationals starter Stephen Strasburg went back on the disabled list just a week after he was reinstated. This time, Strasburg has a pinched nerve in his neck.
Strasburg rejoined the Nationals and started July 20 against the Atlanta Braves, but he was chased after allowing six runs in 4 2/3 innings in his first appearance back from shoulder inflammation.
He was placed on the 10-day DL Thursday morning, a stint that’s retroactive to July 22. Washington called the injury a cervical nerve impingement.
“His MRI on his shoulder came back clean,” Nationals manager Dave Martinez said. “He did a nerve test and he has a slight impingement in his neck so he’s going to see a neurologist, and right now there is no timetable for his return.”
Strasburg was sent to Los Angeles for further tests.
In 14 games this season, Strasburg has a 6-7 record, a 3.90 ERA and a 1.148 WHIP. The 30-year-old righty was scheduled to pitch in Thursday’sseries opener against the Miami Marlins, but the Nationals selected the contract of left-hander Tommy Milone from Triple-A Syracuse, and the 31-year-old is slotted to fill in for Strasburg.
Washington signed Milone, a seven-year veteran, to a minor-league deal in December. Milone is 7-4 in 20 starts with a 4.19 ERA. His 113 strikeouts are the most in the Nationals’ minor league system. To make room for Milone on the 40-man roster, Washington designated minor league infielder Jose Marmolejos for assignment.
Infielder Anthony Rendon was placed on paternity leave Thursday and the Nationals recalled infielder Matt Reynolds from Triple-A Syracuse to take his place.
Seven games back of the National League East lead, Washington’s series against the Marlins has heightened importance as the non-waiver trade deadline approaches Tuesday.
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