THE RESULT:  Jordan Zimmermann made a dominant six inning start for the Washington Nationals, but the Florida Marlins' Anibal Sanchez was almost as good.  Neither pitcher figured in the decision, which came in the 10th inning, when Hanley Ramirez got underneath the tag of Ivan Rodriguez to steal a 1-0 win for the Marlins, before 18,506 in Sun Life Stadium.

Zimmermann was flat dealing.  He allowed just one hit and did not walk a batter.  He struck out nine, and faced the minimum 18 hitters for the six innings.  He threw 86 pitches, 55 for strikes. 

"I felt great, kept the ball down," Zimmermann said on the post-game show.  "I was down in the zone the whole night and my breaking pitches were good."

It was a well played game with good pitching and tight defense on both sides.

Sanchez gave up three hits and one walk in seven innings, striking out seven.  Both bullpens performed admirably as well, and this one went to extra innings.

That's where things got wild.

With one out in the top of the 10th, Nyjer Morgan took a four-pitch walk from Clay Hensley (W, 3-4) and advanced to second when Alberto Gonzalez walked behind him.  Adam Kennedy then grounded to second to force Gonzalez for the second out of the inning.

Morgan rounded third and slowed a bit before turning the burners back on and heading for home.  It seemed like he had a play to slide at the back corner of the plate, as Ramirez' throw was high and slightly to the first base side of home plate.

But instead of sliding, Morgan decided to put his shoulder down and slam full-speed into catcher Brett Hayes.  Hayes held on to the ball and Morgan was called out.  It's the second time in four games that Morgan has initiated contact with a catcher instead of sliding at home to avoid contact.

In the bottom of the tenth, Ramirez singled and stole second with one out against Drew Storen (L, 3-3).  Gaby Sanchez then walked.  Chad Tracy then poked a ball through the hole at short, and Ramirex never slowed down rounding third.

Roger Bernadina's throw beat the runner but was to the first base side, and Rodriguez took the throw and made three steps to the plate instead of diving to the bag.  He tagged Ramirez high, and the runner was safe.

THE GOOD:  Zimmermann.  Everyone expected growing pains, but he was excellent in just his second start after returning from Tommy John surgery.  One hit, zero walks. Six innings, nine strikeouts.  Keep saying it over and over and the sting of Strasburg might lessen just a bit.

THE BAD:  The offense.  Only four hits on the night.  Michael Morse struck out three times.

THE UGLY:  Morgan.  I was critical of his play Saturday night, and will be here again.  He had the back of the plate wide open to try to slide.  He initiated the contact with the catcher, before the catcher had a chance to get his glove down or defend himself.  It was the wrong play.

If this play happened in a vacuum, it's one thing.  But combined with the play on Saturday, Morgan is walking a thin line.

Do not be surprised if someone gets a fastball in the ribs tomorrow.

I have no problem with him getting sent in this instance.  Ramirez wasn't exactly graceful on the play at second.  But the replays showed Morgan definitely slowed down before turning the burners back on.  He needed to be running full out (like Ramirez did in the bottom of the inning) to make that play at the plate.

He didn't.  He was out.  And the Nats lost.

THE STATS:  10 Ks, 4 BBs, 0-for-4 with RISP, 7 LOB.  1 DP, 2 DPs hit into.

NEXT GAME:  Wednesday at 7:10 pm against the Marlins.  Scott Olsen (3-7) v. Chris Volstad (8-9).

BULLET-POINT STYLE!

• The Nats released the names of the players they'll send to the Arizona Fall League:  C Derek Norris, OF Michael Burgess, IF Steve Lombardozzi, LHP Sammy Solis, RHP Cole Kimball and RHP Adam Carr.  Not to slight any of these players, as they all have futures in the organization, but it's somewhat of an underwhelming list.  According to Nats Insider, GM Mike Rizzo said there's still a chance Bryce Harper could end up on this list though, depending on his performance in the Florida Instructional League.

• Jordan Zimmermann makes his second start tonight returning from Tommy John surgery.  His velocity (93-94 on the fastball) was good his first time out against the Cardinals.  He did pretty well to start, having 1-2-3 innings in the first and third, and allowing a run in the second on a ground-rule double and single with two outs.  But he ran into trouble in the fourth, as his delivery got "high" -- his upper body lagged behind his lower body and hip rotation -- and he left some pitches out over the plate more than he would have liked in the five hit, four run fourth.

• MLBN's John Smoltz weighed in on Strasburg's injury (quotes courtesy of MLBN PR).  Considering the future Hall of Famer had the procedure, I suppose it's appropriate.  "Here’s the advantage that he has: he’s a big league pitcher even though he doesn’t have big league time. What I mean by that is that he knows how to pitch. A young guy typically doesn’t know how to pitch and he’s had success - although be it brief – he will be able to know that when he comes back and throws pain-free, that he can be successful and be successful even more so now as a pitcher and not just a guy who has a 95, 98 mile-an-hour fastball."

• Finally, Happy 75th Birthday to Frank Robinson.  We'll have more on this in Off the Field later this afternoon, but wanted to give a shout-out to one of the toughest S.O.B.s to play, manage and administrate this game has ever seen.  And that was said with respect and admiration.

THE RESULT:  It took a near three-hour rain delay to get this one started.  And once it was, both teams sloshed around an outfield that was not fit for Major League play.

But the Nats are happy they waited and got this one in.

Ryan Zimmerman clubbed a "home run hitter's" blast off the facing of the upper deck in left center field, and Adam Dunn hit his second home run in three games, as the Washington Nationals turned a close game into a laugher, beating the Florida Marlins 9-3 before just a few dozen left of the announced crowd of 18,326 at Miami's Sun Life Stadium.

The weather turned the crown into a "freinds and family" atmosphere, with just a couple hundred sticking around for the final.

The win is the Nats fourth in five games and raises their record to 57-75.

Dunn, who appears to have emerged from his month-long slump, went 2-for-4 with a double, homer (33) and four RBIs.  In fact, the 3-4-5-6 hitters in the Nats' lineup all had two hits apiece.

Jason Marquis was not particularly sharp, allowing seven hits and three walks in his 5 2/3 innings pitched, but was the beneficiary of two double plays to end rallies and stuck around long enough for the win, his first of the season, to better his record to 1-7.

Joel Peralta, Tyler Clippard and Craig Stammen were all lights out, as each struck out the side in an inning of work.

Zimmerman's home run (25), a three run shot off Florida starter Alex Sanabia (L, 3-2), was a towering blast that slammed off an electronic sign on the facing of the upper deck, estimated at over 450 feet.  The ball crashed into the sign and broke the panel that contained the "m" in "Sun Life Stadium". 

You can view the blast here.

THE GOOD:  Adam Dunn.  He now has three multi-hit games in a row, with two homers, two doubles and nine RBIs.  Almost needless to say, the Nats have won all three. 

THE BAD:  Adam Kennedy went 1-for-5 in the leadoff spot and is 7-for-32 (.218) in the past week.  He's hitting .257/.324/.343 for the season.

THE UGLY:  Nyjer Morgan.  Hitting in the eighth spot again, he took another o'fer.  0-for-3 with a walk and a strikeout.  He's 7-for-37 (.189) in his last 10 games and is hitting .257/.315/.319 for the season.

THE STATS:  5 Ks, 4 BB, 2-for-9 with RISP, 7 LOB, 2 DPs, 1 DP hit into.

NEXT GAME:  Today at 7:10 pm against Florida.  Jordan Zimmermann (0-0, 11.25) makes his second start of 2010 against Anibal Sanchez (11-8, 3.29).

BULLET-POINT STYLE!

• Nyjer Morgan's hearing on his seven-game suspension for the fan incident in Philly is Sept. 7.  Could he be facing another one for the flipper incident Saturday night?  With all the excitement over the entire weekend (Storen plunking Holliday Thursday night, Morgan running into Anderson Saturday, Storen throwing behind Holliday Sunday), maybe Tony LaRussa makes a call to the league office to take a closer look at Morgan's "inexcusable" play, according to Jim Riggleman.  At this point, would Riggs care too much about losing Morgan for a week?  Would you?
• Lot of speculation recently about September call-ups.  I don't have any inside knowledge yet, but I'd be real surprised if Danny Espinosa would be included.  He's jumped two levels already this year, I just don't think Mike Rizzo wants to put that type of pressure on him yet.  I do expect him to compete for the 2B job in the spring though.  He's still the only minor leaguer to record a 20-20 season thus far.
• Livan Hernadez re-signed yesterday.  Oh boy.  Look, I am as surprised as anyone with the success he's had this year, but it's simply not sustainable.  As an insurance policy, a la Tim Wakefield, I guess you can accept it.  But the idea that one of the five spots next season is already reserved for Livo kinda makes me sad.  Another product of the Strasburg injury.
• As usual, I'll be appearing on "Nats Weekly" on PrimeSportsNetwork.com this evening at 5:30 pm.  We'l be talking about the Strasburg injury, re-capping last week's games, guessing/predicting the roster for next year, and dreaming about the minor league talent with Brian Oliver from Nats Farm Authority.

THE RESULT:  After his last start, Washington Nationals pitcher John Lannan made a semi-veiled comment about getting pulled from the game earlier than he thought appropriate.  On Sunday afternoon, Lannan made sure that he maximized every pitch he made, and came up with an outstanding effort on a sunny, hot afternoon.

Lannan went a very strong 7 2/3 innings, leading the Nats to a 4-2 win over the suddenly struggling St. Louis Cardinals, before 24,782 fans on "Pups in the Park" day at Nationals Park.  It was Lannan's longest start since an eight inning game Aug. 28, 2009.

The win lifts the Nats record to 56-75 and the loss drops the Cardinals five games behind N.L. Central leading Cincinnati.

The 25-year old lefty, two time Opening Day starter even helped himself with the bat, dropping a hit in front of left fielder Matt Holliday that squirted past the outfielder for a two-run double.

Since being recalled from Double-A Harrisburg, Lannan is 4-1 with a 3.25 ERA in six starts.

Lannan (6-6) gave up just one earned run on eight hits before getting lifted with two outs in the eighth for closer Drew Storen.  Manager Jim Riggleman called upon his young closer to face the right-handed hitting Albert Pujols, though Lannan had struck out the All-World slugger his last at bat.

Storen made sure Pujols would not play hero, as the rookie got him to chase a slider in the dirt for strike three, stranding a runner in the process.

Things did get interesting in the ninth for Storen though.  His first pitch of the inning went behind Holliday, raising the ire of the powerful slugger, who took a few steps toward the mound.  Catcher Wil Nieves stepped in front of Holliday and defused the situation, but Cardinals Manager Tony LaRussa came out to argue the situation with home plate umpire Rob Drake.

And of course, crew chief "Country" Joe West had to involve himself in the discussion.  Both benches were warned after the play, and there was no further escalation of tempers.

The excitement had a backdrop of Saturday night's extra-curricular activities, when Nyjer Morgan went out of his way to initiate contact with Cardinals back-up catcher Bryan Anderson.  After Sunday's game, Riggleman told reporters that he had a pre-game meeting with West and LaRussa to discuss the incident and the ramifications for retaliation in Sunday's game.

When play resumed, Storen was able to get Holliday to ground out, but Pedro Feliz ran into a fastball and deposited it into the Cards bullpen to cut the lead to 4-2.  Storen recovered though and punched out Jon Jay and Colby Rasmus to end the game, earning his third save of the season.

The Nats received offensive support from Michael Morse, who went 2-for-4 with a two run home run and Adam Dunn, who went 2-for-3 with a walk and two runs scored.

THE GOOD:  Lannan.  The Nationals really need a stabilizing force in the rotation right now, and Lannan is trying to play the part.  The biggest part of his turn-around is keeping runners off base from walks, something he had a lot of trouble with before his exile to the minors.

THE BAD:  Ryan Zimmerman went 0-for-4.  That the Nats could find enough offense to win with their leader having a bad day is a good thing.

THE UGLY:  Willie Harris.  Another 0-for-4 day, and his average plummits to .183.

THE STATS:  9 Ks, 3 BBs, 1-for-6 with RISP, 6 LOB, 2 DPs, 1 DP hit into.

NEXT GAME:  Washington starts a seven-day, six-game road trip to Florida and Pittsburgh with a game Monday in Miami.  Jason Marquis (0-7, 8.79) takes on Alex Sanabia (3-1, 3.62) at 7:10 pm from Sun Life Stadium.

NATS NOTES:  After the game, the team announced they re-signed Livan Hernandez to a contract for the 2011 season.  No terms were released.  The 35-year old veteran is 9-9 with a 3.49 ERA in 27 starts for the Nationals this season.

In his usual pre-game press conference, Washington Nationals Manager Jim Riggleman started his remarks about Nyjer Morgan intentionally running into St. Louis Cardinals catcher Bryan Anderson by saying, "I don't want to say a whole lot about it," but then spent five minutes talking about it, in no uncertain terms.

I don't normally post transcripts, but I think the Manager's words speak for themselves this morning.

On Morgan not in today's lineup: "Manager's decision to go a different way today."

On Morgan running into the catcher:  "I think it was a culmination of Nyjer's anger brewing from not hitting first, and I think he was just having a day like that where he was upset about some things and did an unprofessional thing, going after the catcher. 

I certainly don't condone that, but we've all made mistakes.  I think that's not Nyjer's style of play to do something like that -- it's totally uncharacteristic.  It just the culmination of the day.

When I called him in and told him I was going to hit him eighth instead of lead-off, I think that it was just building up all day -- I think he thought I was wearing that [catcher's] equipment there at homeplate.

I think that had a lot to do with it.  I'm sorry it happened, I apologized to Tony [LaRussa], I apologized to Bryan Anderson.  The apology was accepted.  As I said, it's totally uncharacteristic of Nyjer.

On Morgan refusing to talk about the incident after the game:  "He'll get over it."

On whether Morgan thought he needed to go through the catcher to score: "No.  It was totally inexcusable.  Like I said, you've never seen that before from him.  You'll never see it again. 

It's a mistake, and I can't minimize it.  If I take the approach there's nothing wrong with it, then we're going to get people hurt on the field.  There's gotta be retaliation.  If Nyjer was playing today he'd get hit.  If an opposing player did that to my catcher and he came to the plate he'd get hit. 

It's never happened before and it's not going to happen again."

While waiting for Manager Jim Riggleman's pre-game press conference...

BULLET POINT STYLE!

• After popping up in his first at bat last night, Adam Dunn came back to the dugout shaking his head, almost in disbelief.  If the work he and Rick Eckstein did on video yesterday really clicked, it might have been in that first at bat that he "figured something out", and put it to work later on the home run.
  
  
• Upon rewatching the play at the plate with Nyjer Morgan and Cards catcher Bryan Anderson, it was apparent Morgan went directly at Anderson without regard as to touching home plate.  He even brought his left arm up to "flipper" him, a common hockey check.  Maybe Morgan thought Anderson was standing on the plate, but the rookie catcher was three feet in front, where he belonged on a play where he wasn't going to get the throw.
  
  
• Props to Livan Hernandez on last night's effort.  He wasn't particularly sharp, and he twisted his right knee in his second at bat and was noticably limping on it throughout.  But he gutted out 6 1/3 and kept him team in it until the torrent of runs came.
  
  
• In stark contrast to Morgan -- who might be playing himself out of a job-- how about Roger Bernadina?  He sure looks like he wants to start somewhere next season.  The next five weeks is all about effort and desire for playing time next season.
  
  
• According to a tweet from MLB.com's Bill Ladson, MASN color guy Rob Dibble will not be travelling with the Nats on their road trip this week.  I guess his mouth finally wrote a check his butt couldn't cash.  Seriously though, the TV commentators are the team's first line of marketing this team.  Why would they want someone so polarizing in that spot in the first place?  People either love him or hate him, but his comments about Strasburg, before knowing the results of his medical tests, were irresponsible.

"They probably got it right, but it's a terrible rule. It's got to be changed." -- Jim Riggleman, on Ian Desmond being called out for running inside the baseline.

Jim Riggleman tries to usher Dan Radison away from "Country" Joe West. (Photo by A. Amobi/Nats News Network)

THE RESULT:  Friday night, the Washington Nationals left 12 runners on base.  What a difference a day makes.

Saturday night, before a spirited crown of over 30,000, the Nats pounded out 16 hits -- including Adam Dunn's first home run since Aug. 11 -- in a 14-5 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals, denting again the N.L. Central's second place squad's effort to catch the Cincinnati Reds.

Dunn was moved down in the batting order by Manager Jim Riggleman to the fifth spot for the first time all year, and perhaps that was enough impetus for him to have a breakout game.

Dunn goes deep and has a five-RBI night. (Photo by A. Amobi/Nats News Network)

He certainly brought the big stick out tonight, taking a pitch the other way for a two-run double in the Nats' four-run third inning and clubbing a three-run home run in fifth to break a 5-5 tie to take a lead the Nats would only add to as the evening went along.

Dunn finished 2-for-3 with a walk, two runs scored and five RBIs.  He came into the game with eight hits in his last 76 plate appearances.

Six Nationals batters had multi-hit nights, including Michael Morse, who had his first career four-hit game.  And Ivan Rodriguez drove in two runs on his bobblehead night.

Livan Hernandez got the win (9-9) despite not pitching particularly well, but he did gut out 6 1/3 innings after twisting his knee in his second at bat.  He gave up five earned runs on eight hits and a walk, and was the beneficiary of a very generous offense for once.

Livo gets the win despite giving up five runs in 6 1/3 innings.  (Photo by A. Amobi/Nats News Network)

Though the Nats had their highest run-scoring output in a home game since the move to D.C., what this game will really be remembered for was two very strange plays and umpire calls that cost the Nats two more runs on the scoreboard.

In the third, Ian Desmond tried to sacrifice Hernandez and Kennedy and put down a good bunt, fielded by Cards pitcher Kyle Lohse.  Lohse hit Desmond in the back, with the ball careening down the right field line, with Hernandez and Kennedy coming around to score. 

However, home plate umpire Dan Bellino ruled that Desmond was inside the baseline and ruled out -- and the runners were sent back to their bases, like the play never happened.  Both Dan Radison and Scott Olsen -- on the Nats bench -- were ejected for arguing the play.

First base coach Dan Radison argues with "Country" Joe West. (Photo by C. Nichols/Nats News Network)

Regardless, with one out Ryan Zimmerman singled home Livan before Dunn's first big hit, the double to left to score both Kennedy and Zimmerman.

Then, during the Nats six-run eighth inning off ex-Nat Mike MacDougal, Nyjer Morgan made a thought-less play that cost the Nats another run.  Morgan should have scored easily on Willie Harris' bases loaded clearing double.  But Morgan, inexplicably, ran into Cards catcher Bryan Anderson in front of home plate instead of touching home and scoring. 

Morgan went back to touch the plate, but in doing so came into contact with Rodriguez, who had scored ahead of him.  Third base umpire Angel Hernandez saw the contact and called Morgan out, correctly.

Kennedy and Morse point for Morgan to go home, but Pudge makes contact, making Morgan out. (Photo by A. Amobi/Nats News Network)

Ivan Rodriguez grabbed Nyjer Morgan before he touched home, making Morgan out. (Photo by C. Nichols/Nats News Network)

Morgan was incredulous being called out -- correctly. (Photo by A. Amobi/Nats News Network)

All things considered, it was a good night at Nats Park.  Not like anyone needed it or anything.

THE GOOD:  Lots to go on here.  Dunn's five ribbies was nice, as was Morse's career day.  Sean Burnett and Joel Peralta combined for 2 2/3 scoreless relief innings.  And with all the base runners, the Nats only left two on as a team.

THE BAD:  Morgan.  Dropped to eighth in the order, he went 0-for-3 with a walk, and the boneheaded play at the plate.  He did have a very nice running catch though.

Morgan contributed with his glove.  (Photo by C. Nichols/Nats News Network)

THE UGLY:  Many fans will complain about the umpiring, but tonight's ugly goes to an ex-Nat, Felipe Lopez.  After a single to drive in a run in the Cards fifth, Lopez stood at first and peered into the Nats dugout and nodded in self-satisfaction.  Perhaps that was the "rallying cry" the Nats needed.

THE STATS:  3 Ks, 1 BB, 8-for-11 with RISP, 2 LOB, 1 DP, zero DPs hit into.

NEXT GAME:  Sunday at 1:35 pm.  John Lannan (5-6) hosts Adam Wainwright (17-8).

NATS NOTES:  Ross Detwiler made a rehab start for Class-A Potomac against the Frederick Keys.  He went three innings and gave up a solo home run, but otherwise allowed two hits, no walks and struck out four.

Here's a bouus shot of Scott Olsen arguing from the dugout.  He got tossed.
(Photo by C. Nichols/Nats News Network)

THE RESULT:  At 10:30 am Friday, Washington Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo uttered the two words no one in the baseball world wanted to hear:  Tommy John.

At 4:00 pm, the 22-year old for whom that dreaded procedure was ordered told everyone -- in no uncertain terms -- that he would be back better than ever.

And at 7:05 pm, the team went out and put on display many of the traits that have them on pace for 93 losses:  shaky starting pitching, porous defense, bad base running and dreadful batting with runners in scoring position.  It all added up to a 4-2 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals before a subdued crowd of 22,871 at Nationals Park.

The story of this game really has to go no further than the outrageous number of runners left on base.  The Nats got 12 hits and six walks on the night, yet went 1-for-12 with runners in scoring position and left 12 runners stranded.

Scott Olsen wasn't bad, allowing 3 runs -- just one earned -- on five hits and one walk, striking out five.  But the Nats found themselves down 3-0 after three innings, after watching another Albert Pujols home run, and they never could dig themselves out of the hole.

The Nats committed two errors, including a circus play at first where Adam Dunn booted a ball, then compounded his mistake by throwing the ball away. 

And Nyjer Morgan managed to get picked off in the eighth inning, just ahead of Willie Harris' seventh home run of the season.  It's the 11th time Morgan has been picked off this season, combined with his N.L. leading 14 times caught stealing.

So it was a day full of bad news for the Nationals.

The loss drops the Nats season record to 54-75, a .419 winning percentage.  Extrapolated over 162 games, puts the Nats on a pace for a 69-93 final record.

But it's worse than that.  Since the All-Star break, the Nats are 15-25, a .375 winning percentage, a pace for 61 wins.  And more recently, the Nats have lost 14 of their last 19 games.

And now their best pitcher is done for the year, weakening the roster that much further.

Friday, August 27 was a dark day in NatsTown.

THE GOOD:  Ian Desmond was 3-for-5 with a run in the ninth inning, scoring on a passed ball.  He is now hitting .283 for the season.

THE BAD:  Morgan.  With his suspension pending, and the Nats eyeing the future, every mistake he makes is a step closer to potential irrelevance.

THE UGLY:  Adam Dunn.  His slump has reached epic proportions.  He went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts, lowering his average to .258 for the season. Add on the errors tonight, and the team really has to be considering if they think it's worht the effort to extend his contract considering Strasburg will miss the entire competitive portion of 2011 at best.

NEXT GAME:  Saturday at 7:05 pm.  Livan Hernandez (8-9) against Kyle Lohse (2-5).

Nats fans might not see this again until 2012. (Photo by C. Nichols/Nats News Network)

The Washington Nationals announced this morning that Stephen Strasburg has a "significant tear" in the Ulner Collateral Ligament in his right elbow and will "probably" have Tommy John surgery, pending a second opinion from Dr. Lewis Yocum, an expert in the procedure.

The typical rehabilitation time from this type of procedure is 12-18 months.

"We've got the dry MRI, we've got the MRI arthrogram, we've got two different doctor's opinions," General Manager Mike Rizzo said. "We feel it should be a typical Tommy John rehabilitation, and this is going to be no different."

The surgery and resultant rehab will likely rob Strasburg completely of his 2011 season, but the list is long of pitchers that have had this procedure to return to previous or better results.

Regardless, this is devastating news to legions of Nats fans, and baseball fans in general.

Team doctors who performed both MRIs on Strasburg believe it was an acute injury, sustained last Saturday in a game against the Philadelphia Phillies.  Strasburg threw a change-up to OF Domonic Brown and winced in pain, calling for the trainers immediately after feeling pain in his elbow and forearm.

NatsTown has been in a daze since, waiting for the two words no one wanted to hear:  Tommy John.

"It's a tough day for him and for all of us, for everyone who's a Nats fan," Team President Stan Kasten said on the conference call with reporters this morning. "But we saw Jordan [Zimmermann] come back last night. A year from today, Stephen will be joining him."

RHP Jordan Zimmermann made his return to the mound last night 12 months and two weeks from his Tommy John surgery date.  It's now consecutive years that the Nats have lost their top pitching prospect to an elbow injury requiring Tommy John surgery.

The team is confident though that the handling of Strasburg's development was proper and industry standard.

"It's frustrating, because this happens to people you think it shouldn't happen to," Rizzo said. "This player was developed and cared for the correct way. Things like this happen. Pitchers break down. Pitchers get hurt. We're satisfied with the way he was developed. I know Scott Boras [Strasburg's agent] was satisfied with the way he's been treated, and Stephen is also. We're good with that."

"Frustrated, yes. Second-guessing ourselves, no."

Strasburg's rookie campaign ends with a 5-3 record, 2.91 ERA and 92 strikeouts in 68 innings.  His K/9 rate was the highest in the MLB for starting pitchers.

Strasburg was obviously disappointed in the diagnosis, but Kasten said he's already determined to come back better than 100%

"He was upset Monday," Kasten said.  "This is tough news for a kid with this kind of future and the high expectations he puts on himself. This is a high-achievement oriented kid."

Some of the biggest names in baseball have had the same procedure:  former Cy Young winner Chris Carpente; the Braves' Tim Hudson and Billy Wagner, the Yankees' A.J. Burnett, the Cubs' Ryan Dempster, the Twins' Francisco Liriano and the Giants' Brian Wilson all are among the names of Tommy John survivors.

Nationals fans take little solice in those words, though.  It's somewhat ironic that the Nats find out that Strasburg needs TJ the same day they introduced their 2010 No. 1 overall pick, OF Bryce Harper, to the fans and media at Nationals Park. 

According to Rizzo and Kasten, Strasburg requested the announcement be delayed until after Harper's big day.

Any goodwill generated from yesterday's festivities have certainly been quashed with the sobering news that the "Greatest Pitching Prospect Ever" will miss the next 12-18 months.  It's entirely possible that the next time Strasburg takes the mound the 17-year old Harper might actually be challenging for a spot on the roster.

And it certainly casts a pall over any negotiations with Adam Dunn and any other possible free agent over the off-season.  It's questionable at this point, without Strasburg to lead the pitching staff, whether it makes sense to sink big dollars into players for next season, or to wait until the off-season before 2012 when hopefully Strasburg makes his triumphant return.

Regardless, this diagnosis opens up plenty of questions for Kasten and Rizzo about the franchise moving forward.  What should have been an off-season full of possibilities now turns into more waiting.

Jordan Zimmermann made his first start in a year, and the Nats won in the 13th inning. (Photo by C. Nichols/Nats News Network)

THE RESULT:  On the day the Washington Nationals introduced their latest phenom, and awaited the results of an MRI for the one already here, an almost forgotten prized pitching prospects returned after just 12 months from Tommy John surgery. 

But Jordan Zimmermann was long gone when this one was settled, Stephen Strasburg sat with his arm wrapped, and Bryce Harper could only watch from the comfort of the Lerner family box.

After a back-and-forth affair, with both closers blowing saves in the ninth inning, Ian Desmond finally put this one to bed as he singled off Blake Hawksworth in the bottom of the 13th inning against a drawn-in infield, and the Nats beat the St. Louis Cardinals 11-10 before what was left of 22,317 at Nationals Park.

Nats win in extras, but await word on Strasburg's injury in the morning. (Photo by C. Nichols/Nats News Network)

Somewhat dulling the euphoria of the big win, after the game a team spokesman said there will be a conference call Friday morning to announce the results of Strasburg's arthrogram, an MRI with dye injected to get a clearer picture of the injury.

Nyjer Morgan started the winning rally by getting hit by a pitch as he squared to bunt.  He went to third on an Alberto Gonzalez one-out single, and trotted home when Desmond's hard grounder bounced off infielder Aaron Miles's glove and got through for the game-winning hit, making a winner out of Doug Slaten (4-1, 2.86), the last man in Manager Jim Riggleman's bullpen.

Desmond has been hot hitting in the second spot in the order the last couple of weeks and he carried it over further down in the order, as he batted fifth for the first time this season and had a great night. He went 4-for-7 with a run and three RBIs.

Ian Desmond drives in the winning run in the 11-10 win over the Cardinals. (Photo by C. Nichols/Nats News Network)

Both teams made furious comebacks in this one, as a total of six runs were scored between the teams in the ninth inning.  St. Louis got four runs off Nats closer Drew Storen in the top of the frame, and the Nats rallied with a two-run home run by Roger Bernadina in the bottom off Cards closer Ryan Franklin.

Bernadina went 2-for-6 with two runs and two RBIs, and made a terrific running catch at the wall late in the game to rob a Cardinal of extra bases.

Storen was called upon in the eighth when Tyler Clippard got into trouble, giving up a run, and retired two batters to get out of that frame.  But five of the six batters he faced in the ninth reached, including Matt Holliday, who Storen drilled in the wrist to force in the tying run.

After an intentional walk, Storen was lifted, but Sean Burnett allowed a two-run single to Randy Winn, completing the comeback rally.

Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols finished 2-for-4 with his 400th career homer, a double and three intentional walks, and had a scary moment late in the game.  He chased a foul ball toward the stands and tried to use the infield tarp as a vault.  His right foot slipped though, and he fell awkwardly.  He stayed in the game, but was moving very gingerly on the ankle.

Albert Pujols injured his right ankle trying to make a catch late in the game.  (Photo by C.Nichols/Nats News Network)

Zimmermann did not produce the results he would have liked, as he ran into big trouble in the fourth, allowing six straight batters to reach -- including Pujols' milestone home run -- and four runs total.  His final line: 4 IP, 7 H, 5 ERs, 1 BB, 4 Ks, 1 HBP, were not great. 

But Manager Jim Riggleman said before the game that he would be satisfied as long as Zimmermann threw free and easy, and made it out of the game heathly, which the 24-yead old did.  Zimmermann threw 70 pitches, 42 for strikes and hit 94 MPH on the radar gun with his fastball, coaxing fve ground outs against just two fly ball outs.

Zimmermann is just one year and two weeks removed from his ligament replacement surgery, so the organization is happy that he continues to make progress on his recovery, and whatever starts he gets for the Nats down the stretch are steps in that recovery.

Jordan Zimmermann delivers in the first inning.  (Photo by Ian Koski/Nats Daily News)

The Nats took the lead in the bottom of the seventh on a Willie Harris two-run single.

THE GOOD:  Desmond.  He's been on fire hitting in the two-spot, and carried it over to the fifth spot in the order tonight.

An unsung hero in the game was Craig Stammen.  He entered the game in the fifth for Zimmermann and threw two perfect innings in the middle of the game, giving the Nats a chance to chip away and eventually take the lead.

THE BAD: Tyler Clippard.  One-third of an inning, two hits -- including a ripped Pujols double -- and one run.  Ain't getting it done right now.

And Storen.  He looked real good in the eighth, but just as bad in the ninth.  1 IP, 3 H, 4 ER, 1 BB, 1K, 1 HBP.  Tough night.

THE UGLY:  Hmm... Felipe Lopez' throwing error in the 3rd opened the doors for the Nats to have  a three-run inning.  The more things change...

THE STATS:  9 Ks, 5 BBs, 4-for-10 with RISP, 11 LOB, 1 DP hit into.

NEXT GAME:  Friday night at 7:05 pm.  Scott Olsen (3-6, 5.21) takes on Jaime Garcia (11-6, 2.42).

NATS NOTES:  Before the game, the Nats introduced No. 1 overall pick Bryce Harper to the media and fans.  Click here for the full report with quotes and photos.

The Nationals used all of their bench players and  relievers in the 13 inning affair.  After the game, Riggleman said Slaten would have hit in the 14th for himself and would have stayed in until he was out of gas.  John Lannan would have been the emergency pitcher in that case, and had already made his way down to the pen in case of emergency.

The Nats were the second team all season to get 10 hits off Cardinals starter Chris Carpenter.  Washington chased the Cy Young candidate after the sixth.  He gave up six runs, three earned, on 10 hits and a walk, striking out just one batter.

Chris Carpenter did not have his best game of the season. (Photo by C. Nichols/Nats News Network)

Bryce Harper was introduced today as a member of the Washington Nationals (Photo by Ian Koski/Nats Daily News)

The Washington Nationals introduced their newest prodigy, 17-year old outfielder Bryce Harper, to the media and Nationals fans with a press conference before tonight's game against the St. Louis Cardinals.

The remarkably composed and well-spoken Harper, who should be getting ready for his senior year of high school instead of embarking on a professional baseball career, was asked what his first purchase would be with his signing bonus.  He replied, "Fix the dent in my truck."

The logical follow up was, why not buy a new one?

He replied, "Why?  It only has 120,000 miles on it."

Harper was handed his No. 34 jersey from face of the franchise Ryan Zimmerman, who joked that he would have to get something written into his next contract about the extra duties.  Harper explained that the No. 34 was significant because his favorite player was Mickey Mantle, and three plus four equals seven, the number Mantle wore in his prodigous career as a Yankee.

Ryan Zimmerman welcomes Harper to the team. (Photo by Ian Koski/Nats Daily News)

Much like his hero, Harper will be asked to change positions at a young age.  Mantle moved to center after playing shortstop in the minors, but Harper won't take that long to make the switch to right field from catcher, as he'll be sent out to the Nats minor league facility in Viera, FL to begin his training for the Florida Instructional League.

Harper took batting practice earlier in the day at Nationals Park for the first time, an experience he described as "It felt like home."

He hit several tape measure blasts, including pulling one into the third deck in right field, and several to left field.  "Oppo boppo," Harper said, more than once. 

"It's every kid's dream to take BP at a major league park," Harper said of the experience.  "But I'm not where I want to be...  I have a lot of things to prove."

Harper interviewed by MASN's Bob Carpenter. (Photo by Ian Koski/Nats Daily News)

General Manager Mike Rizzo described Harper as a middle of the order bat, a cornerstone of the organization on and off the field.  He listed Harper with Ryan Zimmerman, Ian Desmond, Stephen Strasburg and Jordan Zimmermann as the core of young talent that would carry the Nats out of their perennial predicament of picking at the top of the amateur draft.

Harper has spent the bulk of the summer at home in Las Vegas, hitting in the cage with his father and working out with his high school football team, running passing routes and lifting weights.  He took every opportunity to praise and thank his high school and college coaches, and said on several occasions he's anxious to start his path to the big leagues.

"I can't wait to show 'em what I can do."

Jason Marquis acknowledges ovation leaving scoreless game in eighth inning. (Photo by C. Nichols/Nats News Network)

THE RESULT:  Despite seven strong innings from their starter, the Washington Nationals offense could provide no support whatsoever and they were shut out by Ryan Dempster and the Chicago Cubs 4-0, before 18,344 at Nationals Park.

The loss drops the Nats to 53-74 with 35 games remaining in the season.

It seems like for some of the Nationals, those 35 games can't get by quickly enough.

Veteran starting pitcher Jason Marquis must feel like his season is just starting.  Or starting over, anyway.

His first five starts, marred by injury, were horrendous by all accounts.  Then he spent the better part of two months on the disabled list after surgery to remove "loose bodies" from his pitching elbow.

Upon his return he struggled in his first two starts, but insisted it was just a matter of location and getting his legs underneath of him.

In his last two starts, however, he has looked like the pitcher that garnered an All-Star bid last season for the Colorado Rockies.

Last Friday night against the Philadelphia Phillies he allowed one earned run on four hits and four walks over five innings.  Tonight, he bettered that, going seven shutout innings, allowing just four hits and two walks.

Manager Jim Riggleman debated sending Marquis out for the eighth inning in a scoreless game, but the veteran felt good and strong, so he took the mound -- with a short leash.

Unfortunately, Marquis issued his third walk of the evening -- of the four pitch variety -- to leadoff hitter Tyler Colvin, pinch-hitting for Cubs starter Ryan Dempster (W, 12-8, 3.42).  After a fly ball to the warning track for the first out of the inning, Riggleman lifted Marquis to a loud ovation from the home fans.

Tyler Clippard entered with Colvin on first, but he didn't stay there long.  The rookie outfielder stole second on Clippard's second pitch, and on a 2-2 count, fellow rookie Starlin Castro ripped a double to the left field corner, scoring Colvin easily from second.

Just liek that, Marquis' bid for his first win of the season had vanished.

Two batters later, Aramis Ramirez tacked on his 19th home run of the season, and the competitive portion of the game was over.

Marquis was hung with the loss -- his seventh -- but Clippard played the goat in this one.

Every pitching mistake is amplified these days since the offense is in a collective slump.  The Nats scratched out just two hits off Dempster in his seven innings, a swinging bunt that Ramirez couldn't handle cleanly off the bat of Wil Nieves, and a lined single by Marquis himself.

The team once again finds itself in familiar territory, playing out the string as the season dwindles.  If they don't find some semblance of offense down the stretch, they could be looking at a very long month of September.

THE GOOD:  Marquis, without question.  His perfromance was the only bright spot for the Nationals as they suffered their 17th loss in their last 27 games.  They are 4-13 in their last 17 contests.

THE BAD:  Clippard.  He's allowed 37% of his inherited runners to score this season, and tonight was no different.  He just didn't have it.

THE UGLY:  Adam Dunn went 0-for-4, with three called strikeouts.  It was tough to watch.  Dunn is hitting .192 with an on base percentage of just .300 in August.

THE STATS:  10 Ks, 1 BB, 0-for-4 with RISP, 4 LOB, 1 DP hit into.

NEXT GAME:  Thursday at 7:05 pm against the St. Louis Cardinals.  Jordan Zimmermann makes his 2010 debut against Cy Young winner Chris Carpenter (14-4).

NATS NOTES:  The team announced after the game that they will hold a press conference to introduce OF Bryce Harper, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2010 Amateur Draft, Thursday at 5:45 pm at Nationals Park.  The press conference will be broadcast live on MASN and also be shown on the scoreboard at Nats Park.

Nyjer Morgan was suspended by Major League Baseball for seven games for an incident in Saturday night's game in Philadelphia.  Morgan apparently threw a baseball into the stands toward a fan he had "on-going" altercation with, and hit a different patron in the head.  Morgan has appealed and will play pending a hearing.  He refused to comment on the situation after the game, other than to say he was shocked at the suspension.

The team also announced that RHP Collin Balester was returned to Triple-A Syracuse after tonight's game to make room for Thursday's starter, RHP Jordan Zimmermann.  Zimmermann is just 12 months out from ligament replacement surgery in his pitching elbow.

RHP Stephen Strasburg will have the second MRI on his injured arm Thursday, to be performed by team doctors.  The procedure will involve injecting dye into the area to get a better look at the injury.  Strasburg hurt his arm Satruday night against Philadelphia.  After throwing a changeup he winced in pain and shook his arm out, immediately signaling to the bench his discomfort.

And finally, OF Josh Willingham underwent debridement surgery on the meniscus in his left knee on Wednesday.  Team trainer Lee Kuntz described the surgery as a clean-up, and not a repair of a tear.  Willingham will do his immediate post-surgery rehab in D.C. and is expected to make a full recovery, but will be inactive the remainder of the season.

Major League Baseball announced tonight that Washington Nationals outfielder Nyjer Morgan was suspended seven games for throwing a ball into the crowd and hitting a patron in the middle of the ninth inning in Saturday night's game in Philadelphia.

Morgan was to begin the suspension with tonight's game, but has appealed the decision.  He will be eligible to play pending a hearing.

Morgan, 29, is hitting 261/.318/.325 in 109 games with the Nats this season.  He has stolen 31 bases and has leads the National League being caught 14 times.

Embattled MASN announcer Rob Dibble will be missing from the broadcast team for a couple of days, according to MASN spokesman Todd Webster.

"At his request, Rob Dibble is taking a few days off, to which he - or any MASN employee - is entitled, during the course of a seven-month season."

Dibble has been in the news twice in the past two weeks, first for making comments on a MASN broadcast regarding two women chatting during a game in the President's Club seats behind homeplate, then on his Sirius/XM radio show this past Monday, when he suggested that Stephen Strasburg needed to toughen up and pitch through the discomfort in his pitching elbow that he experienced in Saturday night's game in Philadelphia.

"So for me, a little bit has to be put back on Strasburg here. Ok, you throw a pitch, it bothers your arm, and you immediately call out the manager and the trainer? Suck it up, kid. This is your profession. You chose to be a baseball player. You can't have the cavalry come in and save your butt every time you feel a little stiff shoulder, sore elbow."

Dibble made his comments before the results of Strasburg's first MRI, which revealed enough that the team ordered a second test, an MRI with a dye injection.  That test will be performed tomorrow by team doctors.

No definitive news from MASN when Dibble will resume his duties.

"Can't do it every time." --Ryan Zimmerman, on his warning track fly ball to end the game with tying run at second.

THE RESULT:  For eight innings, the Washington Nationals looked much like they did Monday, showing little intensity, and were shut down by the Chicago Cubs.  In the ninth, the Nats generated a rally, getting the tying run to second base, before Carlos Marmol got Ryan Zimmerman to fly out to the track in right.

Though the games took slightly different paths, the outcome was the same, as the Cubs gave interim manager Mike Quade his second straight victory, 5-4, before 18,250 at Nationals Park.

Tonight's Cubs starter to tame the Nats bats was the embattled Carlos Zambrano.  The big right-hander went 7 1/3 innings, giving up just five hits and one walk, striking out eight in the process.  The Nats managed one run in the third inning when Zimmerman singled in Alberto Gonzalez from second base with two outs.

Other than the third inning, Zambrano (W, 5-6, 4.64) cruised.  Or we should say, the Nats continued their ineptness with runners in scoring position.  Until the ninth inning, the Nats were 2-for-9 with runners in scoing position.

The Cubs, on the other hand, took advantage of two bad pitches from John Lannan, both sliders left up over the plate, resulting in a three-run homer for Alfonso Soriano and a soslo shot for rookie Tyler Colvon. 

Nats' starter John Lannan delivers against the Chicago Cubs (Photo by C. Nichols/Nats News Network)

Lannan went five innings, throwing just 83 pitches.  He was nowhere near as sharp as his last outing, but wasn't terrible either -- which just adds to the frustration watching Lannan pitch.  He gave up seven hits in his five frames, but did not walk a batter.  He also struck out only three -- in his last two starts he struck out five in both.

"I just got hurt with two sliders, on to Soriano and one to Colvin," Lannan told MASNSports.com after the game. 

Alfonso Soriano takes John Lannan deep in 5-4 Cubs win. (Photo by C. Nichols/Nats News Network)

He was also asked about the bullpen, and the fact they are often asked to pitch up to four innings in every game.  "I've got nothing to say about that, because that's just the way our manager manages, and that's it."

It's the first time since his recall from his minor league stint that Lannan (5-6, 5.23) has given up more than two earned runs in the appearance.

Washington rallied in the ninth against Cubs closer Marmol.  A single by Alberto Gonzalez was sandwiched by a pair of walks to Michael Morse and Willie Harris with one out in the frame.  Nyjer Morgan struck out feebly, but Adam Kennedy drilled the second pitch he saw from Marmol into the right field corner, scoring all three base runners.

Adam Kennedy with a big blast, but not enough for the Nats. (Photo by C. Nichols/Nats News Network)

Unfortunately, that's where the rally died, as Zimmerman drove a 2-2 pitch to thew warning track in right, but right fielder Kosuke Fukudome settled under it for the final out of the game.

THE GOOD:  Kennedy and Gonzalez both had two hits on the night.  Miguel Batista, Collin Balester and Craig Stammen threw four innings of one-hit, shut out ball.

THE BAD:  Nyjer Morgan went 1-for-5 and stranded five runners.

THE UGLY:  Ian Desmond came to bat with two outs in the eighth with the bases loaded, and proceeded to strike out on three straight check swings -- all on Carlos Marmol sliders.

THE STATS:  11 Ks, 5 BBs, 3-for-10 RISP, 8 LOB, 2 DPs.

NEXT GAME:  The finale of the three-game series with the Cubs.  Jason Marquis (0-6) faces Ryan Dempster (11-8) at 7:05 pm.

NATS NOTES:  With the loss, the Nats record falls to 53-73.  They are 7-15 in August.  The Nats have to go 10-26 in their last 36 games to avoid 100 losses for the third straight season. 

"Tonight I felt like we allowed the game situation , the long innings and stuff -- just our body language on the field -- it allowed us to just have an aura hanging over us that 'it's just not happening for us tonight.'" -- Manager Jim Riggleman, on his team's effort.

THE RESULT:  At about 5:15 pm Monday afternoon, Washington Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo sat on the top of the bench in the Nats dugout surrounded by two dozen media members and delivered some bad news.  Hours later, the team went out and played as if the air had been let out of their tires.

On the day the Nats announced they would place their prized rookie on the disabled list for the second time this season, they were beaten soundly by a different first-year pitcher and his Chicago Cubs teammates, 9-1, before a mixed crowd of 17,921 at Nationals Park.

Livan Hernandez had arguably been the Nats best pitcher this season, but on this night he had none of the command he's exhibited previously.  He walked four and hit two batters in his 4 1/3 innings.  He gave up seven earned runs on 10 hits and though he struck out five.  He simply was not effective.

Manager Jim Riggleman paraded five relievers through the game, but the damage had already been done.

On the other side, Cubs rookie Casey Coleman, making his second start of the season, owned the Nats. 

He gave up just three hits and two walks over his 6 1/3 innings, striking out three.  Not surprisingly, the Nats went 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position, the third time in four games they have failed to get a hit with a runner at second base or better.

The Nats didn't get their lone run until the seventh inning, when the outcome was no longer in doubt.

But the game result was not the worst news of the day.  Far from it.

Rizzo told reporters before the game that Stephen Strasburg would be placed on the 15-day D.L. sometime before his scheduled Thursday start with what he termed as a flexor strain in Strasburg's right forearm.

He said the result of the MRI performed by team doctors Sunday afternoon showed enough that they wanted to perform another MRI on Tuesday, this time with a contrasting dye, to get a better look at what the trouble might be. 

The results of the second MRI should be available 24 hours after the test is performed, so hopefully all of NatsTown will know the prognosis -- for better or worse -- by Wednesday.

This marks the second time this season Strasburg has visited the disabled list this season.  He missed two weeks earlier this summer with stiffness in his shoulder after having trouble warming up for a game.

THE GOOD:  Roger Bernadina went 1-for-3 with a double that set up the Nats lone run, and made a magnificent diving catch in left field.  That's that type of hustle the team wants to see, especially from young players, as the Nats play out the string.

THE BAD:  Livo.  It was a stinker.  And instead of Riggleman saying so, he blamed the home plate umpire. 

"Livo's got to get a little edge there now and then on the plate, and Tim [Timmons, home plate umpire], I'm sure he was getting the calls right, but when the pitches are close and you're not getting them, that's tough for Livo.  He kept making good pitches, he made a lot of great pitches, and we just couldn't get those calls."

I suppose the two batters he hit were on good pitches the ump missed as well.

THE UGLY:  This team is in a serious funk offensively, as they managed just one hit through six innings against a rookie making just his second major league start.  Riggleman addressed his team's effort in the post-game presser:  "I talked to the ballclub after the game.  I let them know that we just gotta play with more energy.  We gotta find a way, we gotta turn it up a notch."

THE STATS:  6 Ks, 2 BBs, 0-for-4 with RISP, 4 LOB, 1 DP.

NEXT GAME:  Tuesday at 7:05 against the Cubs.  John Lannan (5-5) takes on Carlos Zambrano (4-7)

NATS NOTES:  The win was the first for Cubs interim manager Mike Quade, who took over when Lou Piniella abruptly retired after Sunday's 13-3 loss.  Piniella's 90-year old mother is in failing health, and he stepped up his retirement that he announced for the end of the season to care for her.

Several MLB sources said that RHP Jordan Zimmermann will take Strasburg's start on Thursday night, and though both Rizzo and Riggleman acknowledged he was a candidate, both stopped short of announcing him the starter.

Stephen Strasburg will be placed on the 15-day DL before his next scheduled start on Thursday, according to General Manager Mike Rizzo.  Rizzo spoke with reporters in the dugout before the Washington Nationals game with the Chiacgo Cubs.

Rizzo indicated that a "dry" MRI was taken of Strasburg's right elbow and forearm, and showed enough concern over the results that a second MRI, an arthogram where dye is injected to get a more detailed picture, will be performed by team doctors in the next day.  Results of the second MRI should be available within 24 hours of the procedure.

All indications are that RHP Jordan Zimmermann, himself rehabbing from last year's Tommy John surgery, will be recalled from Triple-A Syracuse to make the start for the Nationals against St. Louis on Thursday.

Rizzo said that all evaluations of Strasburg have been, and for now will be, done by team doctors, meaning that Strasburg is currently not scheduled to be seen by Dr. James Andrews, noted expert in elbow injuries and the dreaded "Tommy John" ligament replacement surgery.

Strasburg injured his arm Saturday night in a game with the Philadelphia Phillies.  With one out in the fifth inning of the contest, Strasburg threw a changeup and winced in pain following the pitch, shaking his arm out and indicating to the bench that he needed assistance.

After consultation, he pleaded with Manager Jim Riggleman and the training staff to leave him in the game, but he was pulled and replaced by Craig Stammen.

Strasburg went through his normal day-after-game routine in Philly Sunday before driving back to D.C. to get the first MRI.  Upon his arrival at the park today, Strasburg wanted to do his normal long-toss, but was told not to throw by the training staff.

According to Rizzo, Strasburg has had this type of discomfort in college before, but has pitched through it.  The team is obviously going to take every precaution when it come to its prized prospect, such a big part of the future of baseball in Washington.

The results of Stephen Strasburg's MRI will be known today. (Photo by C. Nichols/Nats News Network)

Pitchers get hurt.  It's not just old baseball axiom, it's the truth.  It just really sucks when it happens to a guy who hasn't even made a dozen starts in his career.

Sometime today, whether its earlier or in Manager Jim Riggleman's press conference before tonight's game, we should get more information about the results of the MRI taken on Stephen Strasburg's right arm.  At that point, we'll all have a much better basis to form an opinion of what to do with the phenom.

The injury was initially diagnosed as a flexor tendon strain, which is a catch-all for any number of maladies.  There could be problems from the elbow through the forearm into the wrist.  Or there could be nothing.  The public just doesn't have enough information yet, so any specualtion you may have seen not specifically citing team doctors is rubbish.

Strasburg did his normal post-start routine yesterday, including throwing in the outfield before heading to D.C. to have the MRI and meet with doctors.  The assumption there is that he wasn't feeling any pain, and if he's done real damage having him play light toss isn't going to make matters any worse.  And he reportedly got though the session with no porblems.

But pain-free doesn't automatically mean injury-free.

If the MRI comes back clean, the Nats will be tempted to just let Strasburg continue the path he was on, pitching every five days until he reaches his innings limit.  They could skip a start to let whatever flared up to "calm down", or send him right back out there.  At some point, Strasburg ig going to have to pitch with discomfort. 

Discomfort is different than injury though, and the Nats are rightly being cautious with a player that means so much to their future.  If anything shows up in the MRI -- anything -- the Nats would do well to shut him down and let nature take its course in recovery.

What happened Saturday night might be as simple as a pinched nerve, akin to banging your funny bone.  It's just not very funny when your ace pitcher does it on the mound.

Of course, if the MRI turns up something serious, we'll have plenty to talk about for the coming weeks as the Nats slog their way to 90 losses.

They need to look no further than the pitcher they will recall within days, Jordan Zimemrmann, to be reminded of how you can do everying "right" in handling a pitcher and still have him go down with injury.

So for now, let's let the doctors do thier work before we say "the Nats should do this" or "the Nats should do that."  There will be plenty of time for pundits to expound on the subject once the diagnosis actually comes in.