On Wednesday, September 9th Washington Nationals, starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg strained the flexor mass in his right elbow hours after being taken off the disabled list. Strasburg left the game against the Atlanta Braves in the 3^rd inning, right after throwing his 42^nd pitch.

Many people were concerned, and believed that he would have to have another Tommy John surgery. Nationals trainer Paul Lesserd silenced the rumors with an important statement on Thursday afternoon. “The ligament is good,” Lesserd said.

Thankfully, the injury is not season ending, but there is no timetable for when he can be back playing ball. Strasburg may return in the postseason, and he may not. Until they find a replacement they will have to roll with their veterans, Max Scherzer, Tanner Roark and Gio Gonzalez. Max Scherzer has a record of 16-7 with an ERA of 2.78, while Tanner Roark has a record of 14-8 with an ERA of 2.85. Gio Gonzalez (11-9, 4.27 ERA) will have to step it up considering one of the Washington National’s aces is battling elbow pain. After being asked whether or not he thinks he will pitch in the postseason, Strasburg said, “I can’t make that claim.”

The Nationals are going to win their division. This is the best Washington nationals team that we have ever seen, primarily because of the Scherzer-Strasburg-Roark playoff rotation. And now? Gio Gonzalez can be too inconsistent, and the Nats need the more effective version of Gio. He only allowed one run in seven innings on Sunday Afternoon in their 3-2 win over the Phillies. If he keeps pitching like that then that could certainly help the Nats in postseason baseball. For now, Strasburg needs to focus on getting healthy for a quick return.