Strasburg to Make Fifth Rehab Start on Saturday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 24, 2011

STEPHEN STRASBURG TO MAKE REHAB START IN SYRACUSE

Nationals right-handed phenom is scheduled to start for Chiefs on Saturday, August 27

Syracuse, NY—The Syracuse Chiefs, Triple-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals, are pleased to announce that the Nationals have scheduled right-handed pitcher Stephen Strasburg to start at Alliance Bank Stadium on Saturday, August 27 when the Chiefs take on the Rochester Red Wings. Game time is slated for 7:00 P.M with a postgame fireworks display on tap presented by 105.9 FM The Big Talker and Time Warner Cable Sports.

The 23-year-old Strasburg is on a Major League rehab assignment after surgery last season to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow. He has made four Minor League starts after the “Tommy John” surgery. Three of those appearances came with Single-A Hagerstown while one appearance came with Advanced-A Potomac.

Strasburg, selected first overall in the 2009 entry draft out of San Diego State, made six starts (four at home) with the Chiefs last season. In 33 innings and a third, he allowed 18 hits and walked seven compared to 38 strikeouts. He surrendered just four earned runs, making his Syracuse earned run average 1.08. In four of his starts, Strasburg left the game without having given up a run. In addition, opponents hit .154 against Strasburg in his time in the International League.

Strasburg made his Major League debut on June 8 of last season against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He earned the win, allowing just two earned runs in seven innings while striking 14 out. He is the first Major League pitcher ever to strike out at least eleven without a walk in his Major League debut. Strasburg also set the Major League record for strikeouts in his first three games with 32. In 12 MLB starts before his injury, Strasburg compiled a 2.57 ERA. He struck out at least seven in nine of those 12 starts. He struck out 92 in 68 innings and walked just 17.

The Chiefs begin their penultimate homestand of the season tonight at 7:00 P.M. as they take on the Pawtucket Red Sox. Tickets for all six remaining home dates of the season can be purchased by calling 315-474-7833, online at SyracuseChiefs.com, or in person at the stadium ticket office.