WASHINGTON - In a perfect world for Washington fans, Stephen Strasburg would take the mound after the All-Star break and face the host Diamondbacks on Friday in Arizona.
The right-hander would throw to catcher Keibert Ruiz, who has shown a lot of upside since he came to the Nationals in a trade with the Dodgers nearly a year ago.
Strasburg, of course, is on the Injured List again and who knows when he may pitch again.
So for now, the best combination for Strasburg and Ruiz is to recognize they share a birthday today.