Nationals fans hoping to catch a glimpse of Stephen Strasburg this season may want to quit holding their breath.
According to a Saturday report from The Washington Post, Strasburg has not only been shut down from physical activity, but also has been unable to perform rehab for over a month. Those issues raise the question of whether the three-time All-Star and 2019 World Series MVP will ever be able to pitch again.
Strasburg has not played for the Nationals since June 9, 2022, when he pitched 4 2/3 innings in a 7-4 loss to the Mets. He threw 83 pitches in the defeat, allowing eight hits and seven earned runs. He has appeared in eight combined games from 2020 through 2022, completing 31 1/3 innings and allowing 32 hits with a 6.89 ERA in that time.
Here's everything you need to know about Strasburg's latest setback as he attempts to return to pitch full time for the first time since the 2019 MLB season:
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Stephen Strasburg injury update
The Post reported on Saturday that Strasburg, 34, has been unable to perform any rehab for over a month because of "severe nerve damage." Those complications are related to thoracic outlet syndrome, which has caused him to miss significant time in 2022 and 2023. That's after he had his right rib and two muscles in his neck surgically removed in July 2021 in an attempt to alleviate symptoms.
The No. 1 pick of the 2009 MLB Draft is technically able to come off the 60-day injured list — which he was placed on ahead of Opening Day — this week. However, the Post reported that Strasburg plans to rest and see if he can "manage his nerve issues" to attempt a return to pitching. The Post described his outlook as "not promising."
Strasburg reportedly tried multiple times this winter to begin a comeback attempt, progressing to multiple bullpen sessions. One session in late January caused him to feel discomfort in his right side, though he felt well enough earlier in the season to begin "light" rehab at Nationals Park.
That includes lower-body exercises in mid-April designed to keep his legs from atrophying while still activating his trunk. Even those workouts were enough to strain his right side with symptoms of pain, tingling and numbness, shutting him down at the end of the month.
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What is thoracic outlet syndrome?
The Mayo Clinic defines thoracic outlet syndrome as a "group of disorders" that occur when blood vessels or nerves between your collarbone and first rib (the thoracic outlet) are compressed. Symptoms include shoulder and neck pain, and numbness in your fingers.
Common causes include car accidents and repetitive job- or sports-related injuries; treatment includes physical therapy and pain relief measures, though sometimes — as was the case with Strasburg case — surgery is recommended.
Stephen Strasburg contract details
Strasburg is in the fourth year of a seven-year, $245 million contract with the Nationals, which he signed in December 2019. According to the Post, citing four people familiar with his contract, the Nationals do not have disability insurance on Strasburg.
The reason for that, per the Post, is that the premiums would have been too expensive on top of a $245 million contract. He will have three seasons remaining on the deal after 2023.