ATLANTA (AP) — The Washington Nationals have renewed concerns about Stephen Strasburg’s health after the right-hander couldn’t remain in the game long enough to enjoy his teammates’ offensive breakout.
Ryan Zimmerman and Juan Soto each hit a two-run homer and the Nationals overcame Strasburg’s early exit to beat the Atlanta Braves 11-6 on Tuesday night, snapping a five-game losing streak.
Washington manager Dave Martinez said Strasburg, who was on the injured list from April 15 until May 21 with right shoulder inflammation, had tightness in his shoulder again. Strasburg will have an MRI on Wednesday.
“He’s frustrated but I want to make sure we do the right thing, for him and for us,” Martinez said.
Soto had three hits, drove in four runs and scored four times to lead Washington’s 14-hit outburst. Zimmerman had two hits, but Strasburg’s injury left a pall over the big offensive night.
“I know he’s frustrated,” Zimmerman said. “For us it’s frustrating, too, because we know what Stephen can be and we need this guy.”
The Nationals stopped their skid even though Strasburg lasted only 1 1/3 innings. He left the game after William Contreras’ liner hit his left arm near his glove.
Strasburg picked up the ball and threw out Contreras at first base, but Martinez had seen enough.
“At that point I said, that’s not fair to him,” Martinez said. “We’ve got to be smart. We’ve got to see what’s going on.”
Strasburg allowed one run on one hit and two walks while throwing only 30 pitches.
Ronald Acuña Jr. had three hits, including a two-run homer off Austin Voth (2-0) in the fifth. Those were the only runs allowed by Voth in three innings.
Soto’s homer off Grant Dayton in the eighth cleared the wall in left-center. Soto appeared to…
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