Stephen Strasburg is a prominent baseball pitcher who has made a name for himself in the sport. He was a first overall pick in the 2009 MLB draft and has been a vital member of the Washington Nationals pitching rotation for many years.
However, in recent years, Strasburg’s career has been hampered by a series of health issues. He underwent surgery in 2020 to address carpal tunnel syndrome in his right hand and then had another operation to correct thoracic outlet syndrome in 2021.
These health problems have limited his playing time, and there is a great deal of uncertainty surrounding his chances of returning to the rotation in 2023 and beyond. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at what happened to Stephen Strasburg and how his health issues have impacted his career.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the hand, becomes compressed or squeezed as it travels through the wrist. This can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand and wrist.
Stephen Strasburg was diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome in his right hand in 2020, which was causing him to experience numbness and tingling in his fingers.
To address this issue, he underwent surgery in August of that year. The procedure involved cutting the ligament that was putting pressure on the median nerve, which would alleviate the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
After the surgery, Strasburg began the process of rehabilitation, but his recovery took longer than expected. He made just two starts in the 2020 season, during which he struggled with decreased velocity and command.
He was ultimately shut down for the remainder of the season to focus on his recovery and prepare for the 2021 season.
The limited playing time in 2020 was a major setback for Strasburg, who was hoping to build on his success from the previous season when he helped lead the Nationals to their first World Series championship.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a condition in which the nerves and blood vessels that run from the neck to the arm become compressed or pinched as they pass through the thoracic outlet, which is the narrow space between the collarbone and the first rib.
This can cause pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the shoulder, arm, or hand, as well as other symptoms such as a cold or discolored hand, or weakened grip strength.
In 2021, Strasburg was diagnosed with TOS after experiencing numbness and tingling in his right arm during a start against the St. Louis Cardinals.
He underwent surgery in July to remove a rib that was causing compression of the nerves and blood vessels in his thoracic outlet. The surgery was successful, but Strasburg’s recovery has been slow and cautious, with the Nationals taking a conservative approach to his rehabilitation.
As a result, Strasburg did not pitch again in the 2021 season and was shut down for the remainder of the year to focus on his recovery.
His absence was a significant blow to the Nationals, who were struggling in the standings and had hoped to have Strasburg back in the rotation to provide stability and leadership.
Despite the slow recovery, Strasburg and the Nationals remain optimistic about his chances of returning to the rotation in 2022, but they are proceeding with caution to ensure that he is fully healed and able to pitch at his best.
Impact on Strasburg’s Career
The health issues that Stephen Strasburg has faced in recent years have had a significant impact on his playing time and career trajectory. Since 2019, he has made just eight starts and thrown a total of 31 1/3 innings, a far cry from his previous levels of production and success.
The uncertainty surrounding Strasburg’s ability to return to the rotation in 2023 or beyond is also a cause for concern for the Nationals and their fans. While the team remains optimistic about his recovery, there are no guarantees in terms of his long-term health and durability.
Strasburg’s injuries and surgeries have been significant, and it remains to be seen how they will affect his pitching going forward.
From a career perspective, these health issues have undoubtedly impacted Strasburg’s overall trajectory. He was once considered one of the best young pitchers in baseball, with a bright future ahead of him.
However, the injuries and surgeries have prevented him from realizing his full potential and have put his future in doubt.
If Strasburg is unable to return to form in the coming seasons, his legacy may be defined by what could have been rather than what was.
Despite his past accomplishments, the injuries and uncertainty surrounding his future have cast a shadow over his career and his place in baseball history.
Treatment and Future Outlook
Possible treatments or procedures to address Strasburg’s health issues may include ongoing rehabilitation, physical therapy, and other forms of non-surgical treatment.
Additionally, there are a variety of surgical procedures that could potentially help to alleviate the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and thoracic outlet syndrome, such as nerve decompression or rib removal.
The success of these treatments and procedures will ultimately depend on the specifics of Strasburg’s injuries and the extent of the damage. If his injuries are severe or have resulted in significant loss of strength or mobility, it may be difficult for him to fully recover and return to his previous levels of performance.
However, there is still hope for a successful return to the rotation. Strasburg has shown time and again that he is a talented and determined pitcher, and his track record of success suggests that he has the potential to overcome these health issues and return to form.
With proper treatment, rehabilitation, and a cautious approach, there is a possibility that he could once again become a dominant force on the mound.
That said, even if Strasburg is able to return to the rotation and pitch at a high level, the long-term impact on his career and legacy may still be significant.
These injuries and surgeries have already prevented him from reaching his full potential and achieving the kind of sustained success that many had hoped for when he first burst onto the scene.
While there is still time for him to make a comeback, the damage that has been done to his career and legacy may be difficult to fully overcome.
Stephen Strasburg’s Injury History
| Year | Injury | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Strained flexor tendon in forearm | Placed on disabled list, missed 15 days |
| 2011 | Torn ulnar collateral ligament in elbow | Tommy John surgery, missed entire season |
| 2015 | Strained left trapezius muscle | Placed on disabled list, missed 18 days |
| 2016 | Strained upper back | Placed on disabled list, missed 17 days |
| 2017 | Strained flexor mass in forearm | Placed on disabled list, missed 23 days |
| 2018 | Right shoulder inflammation | Placed on disabled list, missed 30 days |
| 2020 | Carpal tunnel syndrome | Surgery, missed significant portion of season |
| 2021 | Thoracic outlet syndrome | Surgery, missed entire season |
This table provides a summary of the major injuries that Strasburg has experienced throughout his career, as well as the corresponding treatment and time missed from play.
It shows that he has had a history of various injuries, including multiple arm-related issues, and that his recent health problems have significantly impacted his ability to play.
FAQs
How common are carpal tunnel syndrome and thoracic outlet syndrome among baseball players?
Carpal tunnel syndrome and thoracic outlet syndrome are not uncommon among baseball players, as the repetitive motions involved in throwing and swinging can put significant strain on the wrists, shoulders, and neck. However, the prevalence of these conditions varies depending on a number of factors, including age, position, and playing style.
What are some of the warning signs of carpal tunnel syndrome and thoracic outlet syndrome?
Some of the warning signs of carpal tunnel syndrome may include pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hands and wrists, particularly during periods of activity or at night. Thoracic outlet syndrome may cause similar symptoms in the shoulders, neck, and arms, as well as muscle wasting and weakness.
Can carpal tunnel syndrome and thoracic outlet syndrome be prevented?
While it may not be possible to completely prevent these conditions, there are steps that athletes can take to reduce their risk. This may include maintaining good posture, using proper technique when throwing or swinging, taking frequent breaks, and performing exercises to strengthen the muscles in the wrists, shoulders, and neck.
How long is the typical recovery time for carpal tunnel syndrome and thoracic outlet syndrome?
Recovery time can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the specific treatment approach. In some cases, non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy or medication may be sufficient to alleviate symptoms and restore function. However, surgical procedures may be necessary in more severe cases, which can result in longer recovery times.
What impact do these injuries have on a pitcher’s ability to throw?
Carpal tunnel syndrome and thoracic outlet syndrome can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the hands, wrists, and arms, which can significantly affect a pitcher’s ability to throw. In some cases, these injuries may lead to a loss of velocity, accuracy, and overall performance.
Conclusion
Stephen Strasburg’s recent health issues, including carpal tunnel syndrome and thoracic outlet syndrome, have had a significant impact on his playing time, career trajectory, and legacy.
While there are potential treatments and procedures that could help him recover, there is no guarantee of success, and the uncertainty surrounding his future remains a cause for concern.
Despite these challenges, Strasburg remains a talented and determined pitcher, and there is still hope for a successful return to the rotation.
The Nationals and their fans will be rooting for his recovery and a return to form, and if he is able to overcome his injuries, he could once again become a dominant force on the mound.
However, even if Strasburg is able to make a successful comeback, the damage that has been done to his career and legacy may be difficult to fully overcome.
His injuries have prevented him from achieving the kind of sustained success that many had hoped for, and his place in baseball history may ultimately be defined by what could have been rather than what was.
