By Justin Worsley
Despite a stellar performance at Spring Training, the Washington Nationals have decided not to rush Steven Strasburg's development, sending both him and Drew Storen to Double-A Harrisburg until further notice.
Strasburg, the first overall pick in the MLB Draft last year, is seen by many as the savior of a downtrodden Nationals' organization. The San Diego State alum was Washingtons most dominant pitcher during Spring Training, going 1-0 with a 2.00 ERA, allowing eight hits while striking 12 batters out in nine innings of action.
Though Strasburg did have a great showing, the team feels he needs to slow his delivery in order to be a more successful pitcher. Strasburg possesses a 98 m.p.h. fastball as well as a slider-curve ball which batters have struggled to hit.
In his last Spring Training game against St. Louis, Strasburg allowed two home runs early, but then took control, striking out eight batters in four innings.
"I'm not a believer that a player can come from amateur baseball and step right into the Major Leagues," said Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo. "I've seen terrific prospects attempt it, and the failure rate is too great. This is a prized asset. We have to do what's best for the player and the organization long-term, and I the best way to do it is to get some seasoning in the Minor Leagues."
The Nationals lost a league-high 103 games last season.
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