Stephen Strasburg Injury: Updates on Nationals Star's Back and Return

Stephen Strasburg has endured a difficult season with the Washington Nationals, and he once again suffered a setback, as he was lifted from a start against the Miami Marlins on Aug. 30 with a back injury, per Chase Hughes of CSN.

He is expected to return this week.

Continue for updates. 

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Strasburg Projected to Return vs. Mets

Wednesday, Sept. 7

"[Manager Matt] Williams said Strasburg is slated to pitch Wednesday, as suspected. Felt fine today after yesterday's bullpen," relayed Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post on Twitter. Williams said on Sept. 3 that he "anticipated" Strasburg would make a start during the pivotal series, according to Chris Johnson of MASN Sports. 

Strasburg was originally expected to pitch Friday, but Dan Kolko of MASN reported on Sept. 2 that Tanner Roark would get the start, saying Strasburg would need to throw a bullpen session first and "come out of it OK." 

On Aug. 30, Hughes noted Strasburg is dealing with "discomfort in his upper back." Johnson noted Strasburg's velocity seemed to be down Sunday and that it was the second time he gave up more than one home run in a single game this season.      

Strasburg has had a fascinating career arc, which started with Tommy John surgery in his rookie season in 2010. The right-hander showed no ill effects from the operation, making at least 30 starts in each of the previous two campaigns and tying for the National League lead in strikeouts last year. 

But 2015 has seen Strasburg fall completely off track. He missed nearly one month in a stint on the disabled list and has never really recovered from those early-season woes. 

Despite that, to lose him for the stretch run can hardly be seen as a good thing for a team that's struggled with consistency all season.