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FILE - In this April 13, 2021, file photo, Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg stands on the mound after giving up a two-run home run to St. Louis Cardinals' Matt Carpenter during the third inning of a baseball game in St. Louis. Strasburg will have season-ending neck surgery, Nationals manager Dave Martinez said Tuesday, July 27, 2021, ending another frustrating year for Washington's 2019 World Series hero.(AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)

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FILE - In this June 1, 2021, file photo, Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg delivers in the first inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves in Atlanta. Strasburg felt some discomfort in his neck after a recent bullpen session, and Washington manager Dave Martinez said Friday, July 23, 2021, the team is trying to figure out what to do next. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File)

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FILE - In this June 1, 2021, file photo, Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (37) leaves the field with a member of the team's medical staff in the second inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves in Atlanta. Strasburg will have season-ending neck surgery, Nationals manager Dave Martinez said Tuesday, July 27, 2021, ending another frustrating year for Washington's 2019 World Series hero. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File)

Nationals' Strasburg to have season-ending neck surgery

By Associated Press Philadelphia

PUBLISHED 5:46 PM ET Jul. 27, 2021

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Stephen Strasburg will have season-ending neck surgery, Nationals manager Dave Martinez said Tuesday, ending another frustrating year for Washington's 2019 World Series hero.

The three-time All-Star right-hander felt discomfort after a 27-pitch bullpen session last week and saw a specialist on Monday. Strasburg, who is 1-2 with a 4.57 ERA in five starts this season, was diagnosed with neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome and will be operated on by Dr. Greg Pearl in Dallas on Wednesday, Martinez said.

“He’s down, he’s frustrated,” Martinez said. “Hopefully after this procedure is done, it’s the next hurdle, recovering and then starting to rehab as soon as he possibly can.”

Injuries have limited Strasburg to seven starts since he was named MVP of Washington's World Series win over Houston two years ago. He last pitched on June 1.

Martinez said he expects Strasburg to be ready for the start of spring training next year.

“I know what kind of workhorse he is when healthy,” Martinez said.

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