Stephen Strasburg, Former Nationals Player and ’19 World Series MVP, Will Reportedly Retire

washington nationals Pitcher Stephen Strasberg According to a person with knowledge of the situation, he has decided to retire, ending a career that began as the No. 1 draft pick that also included 2019 World Series MVP honors and was plagued by injuries. The reason was derailed.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Thursday because Strasberg has not spoken publicly about his plans. The person told the AP that Strasbourg is expected to hold a news conference ahead of next month’s game at Nationals Park.

The Washington Post first reported Strasberg’s decision to retire.

Strasburg, who turned 35 last month, had a career plagued by injuries four years ago after leading the Nationals to their first title in franchise history. He had surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome, a nerve and blood disorder that involved the removal of a rib and two neck muscles.

The right-hander hasn’t pitched since June 9, 2022 — his only start that season, lasting 4 2/3 innings before going back on the injured list. He has thrown only 528 pitches in the majors since signing a seven-year, $245 million contract in December 2019 and didn’t report to spring training earlier this year after experiencing a setback.

Strasburg was touted as a generational talent before becoming the first pick in the 2009 draft, and he became one of the faces of the Washington franchise after making his anticipated debut in 2010. He struck out 14 batters and allowed two runs on four hits with no walks. against pittsburgh pirates to win a memorable game that came to be known as “Strasmas”.

After Strasburg had Tommy John surgery early in his career, the Nationals were criticized for shutting him down at the end of the 2012 season despite going 15–6 with a 3.16 ERA. without their ace, they lost st louis cardinals in the NL Division Series.

The long-term benefits of the shutdown did not appear until October 2019, when Strasburg went 5–0 with a 1.98 ERA on Washington’s championship run and won both his starts against the Washingtons. Astros in the World Series.

Reporting by The Associated Press.

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