AP: Stephen Strasburg needs Tommy John surgery

[sahyder1]

Strasburg will get a 2nd opinion but reports are indicating that he needs Tommy John Surgery and will be out for 12-18 months. What a shame.

[Lint]

that was quick...though some pitchers have come back better from Tommy John surgery..but being out for what will basically be atleast an entire season wont help..

Edited August 27, 2010 by Lint6

[Toe]

I thought they reported his injury as just a forearm strain a few days ago?

Nevermind, the article is up on ESPN explaining his injury. http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=5502866

The end of the article gives you some hope, since they mention Tim Hudson, Francisco Liriano, and Chris Carpenter as examples of how Tommy John surgery is not a death sentence. Still, this will deprive Strasburg of the opportunity to gain experience and it really hurts the Nationals. The only time they saw their attendance surge was when Strasburg was on the mound.

Edited August 27, 2010 by Toe

[Hellfire]

I think it could actually work out in their favour though, if Strasburg is ready to return in 18 months that would be around spring training of the 2012 seasons, which is when I'm guessing that Bryce Harper will be ready to go up to the bigs. At least they could hope that is the case.