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Strasburg Scratched With Stiff Shoulder

07/28/2010

Rookie Stephen Strasburg's scheduled start for the Washington Nationals against Atlanta on Tuesday was scratched when Strasburg told his pitcher coach, "My shoulder's stiff."

Strasburg's place in the starting lineup was taken by 39 year-old Miguel Batista, who combined with 3 relievers, including former Pirates Sean Burnett and Matt Capps, on a 6-hit shutout in Washington's 3-0 win.

In nine starts since his call-up from the minor leagues, Strasburg , who turned 22 last week, had posted a 5-2 record, including wins in his last three starts, with a 2.32 ERA, and 75 strikeouts and only 15 walks in 54 and one-third innings.

An MRI and an X-ray revealed no structural damage.  Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo says his rookie star has been diagnosed with inflammation in his right shoulder.  His is listed as "day-to-day."

Meanwhile, Batista pitched five innings of scoreless, 3-hit baseball.  Capps earned his 25th save.

  Tim Shaw