WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg pitched exclusively from the stretch in his Grapefruit League debut Friday afternoon, completely ditching his normal windup.
And Strasburg was sharp, needing just 23 pitches to mow down the Cardinals at the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. He struck out three during a pair of scoreless innings, erasing the only hit he allowed with a double play.
The Nationals had eased Strasburg into his first start, waiting nearly a week after games began. He is no longer feeling any effects from the torn pronator tendon that ended his 2016 season, but the club saw no need to rush him with an extra week of Spring Training due to the World Baseball Classic.