It’s probably not fair to say this about any start in late May, especially for a team that has won 21 of its last 27 games, but this sure feels like a really important start for Stephen Strasburg. He has failed to get out of the fourth inning three times in his last four outings. His ERA has skyrocketed to 6.50. And his confidence level (at least outwardly) appears at an all-time low.
The Nationals have intended all along to put Strasburg back on the mound every fifth day (barring a physical ailment) and hope he rights his ship by pitching well, not by taking time off.