Stephen Strasburg. You might’ve heard of him. The pitcher behind the 1.06 ERA, the relentless waves of hype, and the Tunguska event has proven that the minor leagues are no match for his untouchable stuff. His performance has only exceeded the expectations of those who’ve been anticipating his Major League debut since 2008. As such, the date of Strasburg’s approaching promotion to the bigs has become a hot conversation topic. Also contributing is the fact that the Nationals are a not-terrible 20-19, still very much alive in the race. This is a team and a fan base that could use Strasburg soon. How soon will they get him? Mark Zuckerman attempts to figure it out.
Figuring Out Stephen Strasburg’s Schedule Rapidly Becoming DC Area’s No. 1 Hobby
Syracuse has May 26 off but has a scheduled doubleheader the following day at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. If Strasburg stays on a five-day schedule, he would pitch May 28, also at S/W-B. But what if the organization wants to give him one last home start at Syracuse? By bumping him back one more day, he could start May 29, still against Scranton/Wilkes-Barre but now in Syracuse.
That would then line up Strasburg to make his Nationals debut June 4 against the Reds, and also set him up to make his second big-league start June 10 against the Pirates. Both games would be at Nationals Park.
The key here is the pitching-at-home thing. While pitching at home may not mean a whole lot to Strasburg, attendance rather predictably spikes when he’s on the mound, and given that baseball is both a game and a business, it would be in Syracuse and Washington’s best interests to have him at home as often as possible. Zuckerman’s predicted schedule, then, is a good one - Strasburg would start two of his last three AAA games in Syracuse, and three of his first four big league games in Washington. Good for the team, and good for the bottom line.
Mark it down: Friday, June 4th, against the Cincinnati Reds. It isn’t set in stone, and a lot can happen in a couple of weeks, but that looks like the most likely date not for the most anticipated Nationals moment of the year; nay, for the most anticipated anything of ever.
Note that a June 4th debut would put Strasburg on target to miss the series against the Braves from June 28-30. Which is probably for the best, as the hype would end worlds.
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