Nationals GM Mike Rizzo is certain Stephen Strasburg won't pitch again. But he remains on the team's 40-man roster. SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — As the Washington Nationals push forward with a rebuild that focuses on young talent, what had long been expected finally became explicit Wednesday: Franchise legend Stephen Strasburg will not pitch again.At baseball’s general manager meetings, the Nationals’ Mike Rizzo and Scott Boras, Strasburg’s longtime agent, clarified Strasburg’s situation.
The Nationals will have to clear space on their 40-man roster for Rule 5 protections later this month ahead of the Rule 5 draft in December. They might then have to release another player who could be in their plans while Strasburg remains on the roster. The same holds f agency — both from a payroll and roster standpoint.
The Nationals’ young pitchers showed flashes of potential, but those were balanced with growing pains. Josiah Gray was a first-time all-star, but his performance fell off in the second half. MacKenzie Gore showed his swing-and-miss potential, but lacked consistent command. Jake Irvin was arguably Washington’s best pitcher in the second half, but had a propensity for giving up the long ball. Jackson Rutledge and Joan Adon showed promise as well in limited opportunities, but struggled as well.