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

Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg has been out since June 20 with an upper-back strain that forced him to the disabled list. However, he has been cleared to return.

Continue for updates.

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Strasburg Active vs. Reds

Sunday, July 3

The Nationals announced Strasburg returned against the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday.

Washington previously announced it reinstated Strasburg and placed pitcher Joe Ross on the 15-day DL with shoulder inflammation.

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Baker Comments on Strasburg's Injury

Tuesday, June 28

Nationals manager Dusty Baker told reporters that Strasburg's MRI did not reveal anything serious, per Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com.

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Strasburg Comments on Injury

Friday, June 24

Strasburg stated his injury occurred after he popped two ribs out of place, causing the upper-back pain, per William Ladson of MLB.com.

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Strasburg's Return Provides Lift to Nationals Heading into Break

Strasburg tied for the National League lead with 34 starts in 2014, but he was limited to 23 last year. What's more, he underwent Tommy John surgery in 2010.

The 2012 All-Star posted a 3.46 ERA and 1.11 WHIP in 2015. In 2014, he struck out 242 batters. He is one of the most effective strikeout pitchers in the majors when healthy. Until last year, he'd never finished with an ERA above 3.16.

This season, he has been one of the Nationals' best players with a 2.90 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 118 strikeouts in 93 innings prior to the injury.