Nationals Ensure Strasburg Doesn't Pitch By Removing Tendons From Arm

WASHINGTON—With Stephen Strasburg reaching his innings limit for the year, Nationals personnel announced plans Sunday to shut down the star pitcher for the remainder of the regular season and playoffs by removing several tendons from his right arm. “Basically, we’re going to sneak in, chloroform him, and rip out various connective tissue important for pitching,” said manager Davey Johnson, who reasoned that Strasburg can’t injure his arm if he can’t move it. “Stras won’t be happy about being unable to lift things or hold stuff, but in the long term it’s better this way, because even if he wants to pitch, he won’t be able to.” Johnson confirmed the Nationals will give the tendons back to Strasburg shortly before spring training next year.