Strasbourg, which was scheduled to start on Tuesday, was embarrassed after dropping out of its session on Saturday and undergoing an MRI scan on Monday. Following the Nationals’ 9-5 defeat to the Braves, coach Dave Martinez said he would have more information on Strasbourg on Tuesday. The 33-year-old right-hander had returned to the embankment on Thursday, giving up seven runs in eight hits and two runs in 4 2/3 inning against the Marlins. In addition to the fatigue in his legs, Strasbourg told Martinez he was feeling well after his season debut. But on Sunday, Strasbourg warned the team “it was not feeling well”. “We hoped it was just something that would go away,” Martinez said. “It was not. . We do not know if this is the same issue or not yet, but we will find out more… as soon as we do the MRI and the doctors read the picture. But it smells, because he was excited to be back. “But we hope it’s just a small setback.” The last two years have been marred by injuries for Strasbourg. The 2020 season was limited to five entries due to carpal tunnel surgery on his right hand and the following season was limited to 21 2/3 frames for thoracic outlet surgery. Strasbourg did a thorough detox this spring at the Nationals training complex in West Palm Beach, Florida, and threw three detox starts in the Minor League before being restored. “This is a surgery that, after talking to doctors and trainers, is relatively new and affects men differently,” Martinez said of the thoracic outlet surgery. “After the surgery, you just look at things in a wider range and hope that they will come back and be able to play and suddenly become somewhat of the person they were before. But you just do not know what to expect, you do not know how long before you are in pain. And I’ve seen this in other kids before, and it took them a while. Some kids, a few years ago managed to come back and get over it and play. Hopefully this does not apply to Stephen. As I said, this is so different for each pitcher. “ When healthy, Strasbourg can anchor an initial spin. After going 5-0 in the post-season and becoming the MVP of the World Series 2019, he signed a seven-year contract of 245 million dollars with the Nationals. Strasbourg’s long-term health compensates for him when he experiences discomfort in the here and now. “As I said throughout, we will be as careful as possible with him and try to do everything right for Stephen and for this organization to move forward,” Martinez said. “Right now, we are on these bumpy roads and we will see what happens.” The Nationals cover Strasbourg in the starting line-up on Tuesday by inviting right-hand man Jackson Tetreault from Triple-A Rochester to make his Major League debut. Tetreault, 26, has a 5-3 to 4.19 ERA in 12 starts (58 innings) this season with the Red Wings. He is scheduled to fight, having taken the mound for the last time on Tuesday. The Nats selected Tetreault in the seventh round of the 2017 Draft. “He was good,” Martinez said. “It has a mix of three different pitches. It throws blows, which is nice. “He is doing well down there, so we will give him the opportunity to play here.” Although Josiah Gray did not start his scheduled start on Monday after a one-hour, 33-minute delay in the rain, the Nationals treat his pre-match warm-up as a bullpen session, so he will not be available the next day. “He will not play tomorrow,” said Martinez. “It was hot. He threw, I think, 37 pitches in bullfighting. I mean, he was warm, ready to go. “
