Stephen Strasburg#Pitching style

Strasburg was born in San Diego, California,{{cite web |url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1675980/stephen-strasburg |title=Stephen Strasburg, Washington Nationals |access-date=August 14, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120209022750/http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1675980/stephen-strasburg |archive-date=February 9, 2012 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/lee_jenkins/03/25/stephen.strasburg/1.html |title=San Diego State righthander Stephen Strasburg likely first pick in June |first=Lee |last=Jenkins |publisher=SportsIllustrated.com |date=March 25, 2009 |access-date=August 27, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090827100232/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/lee_jenkins/03/25/stephen.strasburg/1.html |archive-date=August 27, 2009 |url-status=live }} to Jim Strasburg, a real estate developer, and Kathleen Swett Strasburg, a dietician.{{cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/stephenstrasburg0000sava|url-access=registration|title=Stephen Strasburg|first=Jeff|last=Savage|year=2013|publisher=Lerner Publications|isbn=9781467711166|page=[https://archive.org/details/stephenstrasburg0000sava/page/9 9]}} He grew up a San Diego Padres fan.{{Cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/nationals-journal/wp/2014/06/17/stephen-strasburg-grateful-for-time-with-tony-gwynn/ |title=Stephen Strasburg grateful for time with Tony Gwynn - the Washington Post |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=June 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201010726/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/nationals-journal/wp/2014/06/17/stephen-strasburg-grateful-for-time-with-tony-gwynn/ |archive-date=February 1, 2018 |url-status=live }}

Strasburg credits his maternal grandmother with helping him develop his baseball skills as a child. She would frequently play catch and even work on pitching with him. He labels her as one of his biggest inspirations.{{cite web |url=http://www.americanathletemag.com/ArticleView/tabid/156/ArticleID/94/AMERICAN-ATHLETE-OF-THE-WEEK-Stephen-Strasburg-The-Comeback-Kid-4-15-12.aspx |title=AMERICAN ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Stephen Strasburg, The Comeback Kid (4/15/12) |last=Campbell |first=Steven |date=April 15, 2012 |work=American Athlete |access-date=September 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810181207/http://www.americanathletemag.com/ArticleView/tabid/156/ArticleID/94/AMERICAN-ATHLETE-OF-THE-WEEK-Stephen-Strasburg-The-Comeback-Kid-4-15-12.aspx |archive-date=August 10, 2014 |url-status=dead }}

Strasburg attended West Hills High School in Santee, California. At first, he struggled on the school's baseball team, posting a 1–10 win–loss record in his junior year. A 12-strikeout game against El Capitan High School in his senior year, in which Strasburg allowed just one hit, drew attention from scouts. He finished his senior year with a 1.68 earned run average (ERA) and 74 strikeouts in {{fraction|62|1|3}} innings pitched, with seven complete games. He finished with three varsity letters, set school records in ERA and shutouts, and was named his school's 2006 Scholar-Athlete of the Year. He was also named second-team all-league and his team's MVP.{{cite web |url=http://goaztecs.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/mtt/strasburg_stephen00.html |title=Player Bio: Stephen Strasburg – San Diego State University Official Athletic Site |publisher=SDSU Athletics |access-date=December 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121119130130/http://goaztecs.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/mtt/strasburg_stephen00.html |archive-date=November 19, 2012 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |author=Joseph Santoliquito |url=http://www.maxpreps.com/news/FKc1rI4jEd-lugAcxJTdpg/one-game-changed-everything-for-stephen-strasburg.htm |title=One game changed everything for Stephen Strasburg |work=Maxpreps.com |date=July 13, 2010 |access-date=September 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728092355/http://www.maxpreps.com/news/FKc1rI4jEd-lugAcxJTdpg/one-game-changed-everything-for-stephen-strasburg.htm |archive-date=July 28, 2013 |url-status=live }} Despite these achievements, he was not selected in that year's Major League Baseball draft.

Strasburg had hoped to attend Stanford University but was not accepted there. Although recruited by a number of schools across the country, he enrolled locally at San Diego State University, where both of his parents attended school. He played college baseball for the San Diego State Aztecs, coached by Baseball Hall of Fame player Tony Gwynn. When he first arrived, Strasburg was an unlikely candidate to pitch collegiate baseball at all; he was quite overweight and out of shape. His conditioning coach nicknamed him "Slothburg" and encouraged him to quit baseball.{{cite magazine |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1153627/index.htm |title=Stephen Strasburg Is Ready To Bring It |last=Jenkins |first=Lee |date=March 30, 2009 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |access-date=September 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120608025414/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1153627/index.htm |archive-date=June 8, 2012 |url-status=live }} He also had a difficult time adjusting to college life, moving out of his dormitory and in with his mother after five days. He acknowledged, "I wasn't the most mature guy out of high school. … The dorm was an overload, too much, too soon."{{cite web |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=sh-strasburg032409 |title=Strasburg is on the all-time fastest track |last=Henson |first=Steve |date=March 24, 2009 |work=Yahoo! |access-date=September 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111208070855/http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=sh-strasburg032409 |archive-date=December 8, 2011 |url-status=live }} Strasburg responded with an intense workout regimen, losing {{convert|30|lbs}} in the process.{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/college-sports/news/story?id=3884236 |title=San Diego State's Strasburg works his way up to becoming 'Next Big Thing' |first=Kirk |last=Kenney |agency=Baseball America |publisher=ESPN |date=February 4, 2009 |access-date=September 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728083902/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/news/story?id=3884236 |archive-date=July 28, 2013 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://seamheads.com/2010/06/08/the-rapid-emergence-of-stephen-strasburg-in-2007/ |title=The Rapid Emergence of Stephen Strasburg in 2007 |last=Christensen |first=Arne |date=June 8, 2010 |work=Seamheads.com |access-date=September 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130514093907/http://seamheads.com/2010/06/08/the-rapid-emergence-of-stephen-strasburg-in-2007/ |archive-date=May 14, 2013 |url-status=live }} He also worked to improve his mental toughness. Coaches tested him by placing him in high-pressure situations and telling him he needed to get strikeouts.{{cite news |url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/college/season-preview/2009/267522.html |title=What A Difference Three Years Makes |last=Kenney |first=Kirk |date=February 5, 2009 |work=Baseball America |access-date=December 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106073712/http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/college/season-preview/2009/267522.html |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=live }}

San Diego State used Strasburg as a relief pitcher in his freshman year; he began the season pitching in middle relief before becoming the Aztecs' closer. He held opponents to a .141 batting average against and was named Co-Freshman of the Year for the Mountain West Conference. In the summer of 2007, Strasburg also played for the Torrington Twisters and Vermont Mountaineers of the collegiate summer baseball New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL). He was named to the NECBL First Team as a closer, and was also chosen as the Top Pro Prospect and Top Relief Pitcher in the NECBL.{{cite web |url=http://necbl.com/view/necbl/awards-14/2007-awards |title=New England Collegiate Baseball League | 2007 AWARDS |publisher=Necbl.com |access-date=August 27, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100810175613/http://www.necbl.com/view/necbl/awards-14/2007-awards |archive-date=August 10, 2010 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/college-sports/news/story?id=4216074 |title=Strasburg takes first loss |publisher=ESPN |date=May 30, 2009 |access-date=August 27, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528213555/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/news/story?id=4216074 |archive-date=May 28, 2010 |url-status=live }}

In 2008, as a sophomore, Strasburg was converted to a full-time starting pitcher. He went 8–3 with a 1.58 ERA and 134 strikeouts in {{frac|98|1|3}} innings.{{cite web |url=http://web1.ncaa.org/stats/StatsSrv/rankings |title=NCAA Statistics |access-date=June 9, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090604030919/http://web1.ncaa.org/stats/StatsSrv/rankings |archive-date=June 4, 2009 |url-status=live }} Four of his thirteen starts in 2008 were complete games, two of which were shutouts.{{cite web |title=Final 2008 Season Statistics |publisher=San Diego State Aztec Athletics official website |url=http://goaztecs.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/archive/061108aab.html |access-date=June 9, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081122071921/http://goaztecs.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/archive/061108aab.html |archive-date=November 22, 2008 |url-status=live }} On April 11 of that year, he struck out a Mountain West Conference record 23 batters in a game versus the University of Utah.{{cite news |url=http://www.utsandiego.com/sports/aztecs/20080415-9999-1s15colbase.html |title=Strasburg's 23 strikeouts earn national recognition |last=Kenney |first=Kirk |date=April 15, 2008 |work=Union-Tribune |access-date=September 18, 2012 |location=San Diego, CA |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705021636/http://www.utsandiego.com/sports/aztecs/20080415-9999-1s15colbase.html |archive-date=July 5, 2015 |url-status=live }} He also gained eight miles per hour on his fastball, regularly working in the upper 90s and touching 100 mph.

Strasburg finished his junior year, the 2009 season, 13–1 with a 1.32 ERA, 59 hits allowed, 16 earned runs, 19 walks, and 195 strikeouts in 109 innings pitched.{{cite web |url=http://goaztecs.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/sdsu-m-basebl-CumulativeStats.html |title=San Diego State Final 2010 Baseball Statistics — SAN DIEGO STATE OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE |publisher=Goaztecs.cstv.com |access-date=August 27, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090720051750/http://goaztecs.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/sdsu-m-basebl-CumulativeStats.html |archive-date=July 20, 2009 |url-status=dead }} In his final home start on May 8, 2009, Strasburg threw his first career no-hitter while striking out 17 Air Force Falcons batters.{{cite web |last=Fitt |first=Aaron |title=Strasburg fans 17 in no-hitter |work=Baseball America |publisher=ESPN |date=May 13, 2009 |url=https://www.espn.com/college-sports/news/story?id=4160509 |access-date=May 14, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090515080013/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/news/story?id=4160509 |archive-date=May 15, 2009 |url-status=live }} His lone loss came against the Virginia Cavaliers in the NCAA Regionals as Virginia advanced toward the College World Series, but he still struck out 15 in seven innings during the loss.{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/college-sports/news/story?id=4216074 |title=Strasburg takes first loss |date=May 30, 2009 |agency=Associated Press |work=ESPN.com |access-date=September 9, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107053747/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/news/story?id=4216074 |archive-date=November 7, 2012 |url-status=live }} He won the Dick Howser Trophy and the National Pitcher of the Year Award.{{cite web |url=http://lubbockonline.com/stories/070309/spo_458832344.shtml |title=Strasburg caps stellar year with Dick Howser Award |author=GEORGE WATSON |work=lubbockonline.com |access-date=July 4, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705153038/http://lubbockonline.com/stories/070309/spo_458832344.shtml |archive-date=July 5, 2015 |url-status=live }}

Strasburg was named to the United States national baseball team on June 24, 2008.{{cite news |url=http://goaztecs.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/062508aaa.html |title=Strasburg Named To USA National Baseball Team |date=June 25, 2008 |publisher=CBS Sports Network |access-date=December 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516151431/http://goaztecs.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/062508aaa.html |archive-date=May 16, 2013 |url-status=live }} In that role, he appeared in the 2008 World University Baseball Championship, held in late July. The United States won the gold medal in the competition.{{cite web |url=http://www.fisu.net/en/4th-WUC-Baseball-2008-3698.html |title=4th WUC Baseball – 2008 |publisher=International University Sports Federation |access-date=September 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130629170342/http://www.fisu.net/en/4th-WUC-Baseball-2008-3698.html |archive-date=June 29, 2013 |url-status=live }}

Strasburg was the lone collegiate player selected for the United States national team at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. In his first start at the Olympics, Strasburg one-hit the Netherlands over seven innings, striking out five of the first six batters he faced and eleven overall. The lone hit Strasburg allowed was a seventh-inning single by Sharnol Adriana.{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/beijing/team/2008-08-14-usa-netherlands_N.htm |title=Strasburg impressive in USA's 7-0 win over the Netherlands |last=Livingstone |first=Seth |work=USA Today |access-date=September 5, 2012 |date=September 11, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120625161720/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/beijing/team/2008-08-14-usa-netherlands_N.htm |archive-date=June 25, 2012 |url-status=live }}

With the United States having already secured a spot in the semifinals medal round, manager Davey Johnson held Strasburg from what would have been his second start on August 20 in order to start him on August 22 in the first round of the semifinals against Norge Luis Vera of the Cuba national baseball team.{{cite web |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080821&content_id=3344889&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |title=Strasburg looks to lead U.S. toward gold |last=Newman |first=Mark |date=August 21, 2008 |work=MLB.com |access-date=September 9, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120528040634/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080821&content_id=3344889&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |archive-date=May 28, 2012 |url-status=live }} Vera outdueled Strasburg, pitching six innings and allowing only two runs, one earned. Strasburg, meanwhile, lasted only four innings while giving up three runs, two earned. Cuba won the game 10–2.{{cite web |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/summer08/baseball/boxscore?gameId=831 |title=2008 Summer Olympics – Beijing, China – Baseball – United States vs Cuba – ESPN |work=ESPN.com |access-date=September 9, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728083353/http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/summer08/baseball/boxscore?gameId=831 |archive-date=July 28, 2013 |url-status=dead }}

Strasburg ended up with a 1–1 record, a 1.67 ERA, and a bronze medal for the Olympics, as the United States won its following contest against Japan 8–4.{{cite web |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/athletes/st/stephen-strasburg-1.html |title=Stephen Strasburg Biography and Statistics |access-date=August 18, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090822185215/http://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/athletes/st/stephen-strasburg-1.html |archive-date=August 22, 2009 |url-status=dead }} He won the USA Baseball Richard W. "Dick" Case Player of the Year Award in 2008.{{cite web|url=http://web1.baseballamerica.com/draft/reese-mcguire-wins-usa-baseball-player-of-the-year-award/ |title=Reese McGuire Wins USA Baseball Player of the Year Award |work=Baseball America |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150704222846/http://web1.baseballamerica.com/draft/reese-mcguire-wins-usa-baseball-player-of-the-year-award/ |archive-date=July 4, 2015 }}{{cite web |url=http://web.usabaseball.com/article.jsp?ymd=20141218&content_id=104408434 |title=USA Baseball names year-end award winners |work=usabaseball.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705061111/http://web.usabaseball.com/article.jsp?ymd=20141218&content_id=104408434 |archive-date=July 5, 2015 }}

File:Stephen Strasburg and Ryan Zimmerman 2009.jpg, August 2009]]

On June 9, 2009, Strasburg was drafted number one overall in the 2009 Major League Baseball draft by the Washington Nationals. On August 17, 2009, he signed a record-breaking four-year, $15.1 million contract with the Nationals, just 77 seconds before the deadline, shattering a dollar-amount record previously held by Mark Prior, who signed for $10.5 million in 2001.{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/18/AR2009081800095.html |title=It's a Deal: Strasburg, Nationals Agree |last=Harlan |first=Chico |access-date=June 4, 2010 |date=August 18, 2009 |newspaper=The Washington Post |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110210015829/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/18/AR2009081800095.html |archive-date=February 10, 2011 |url-status=live }} Strasburg is represented by agent Scott Boras.{{cite news |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2009/08/strasburg-contract-numbers.html |title=Strasburg contract numbers |access-date=August 18, 2009 |work=The Los Angeles Times |date=August 17, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090821130617/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2009/08/strasburg-contract-numbers.html |archive-date=August 21, 2009 |url-status=live }}

Strasburg made his professional debut on October 16, 2009, starting for the Phoenix Desert Dogs in the Arizona Fall League at Phoenix Municipal Stadium.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=4567732 |title=Stephen Strasburg impressive in Arizona Fall League debut Friday night |last=Gomez |first=Pedro |date=October 17, 2009 |work=ESPN.com |access-date=September 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728090232/http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4567732 |archive-date=July 28, 2013 |url-status=live }} He was selected to play in the league's Rising Stars Showcase, but was unable to participate due to a minor neck injury. He also won Pitcher of the Week honors for the week of November 2, 2009 and led the AFL with four wins.{{cite web |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=l119&t=p_pbp&pid=544931 |title=Winter Leagues: Arizona Fall League: Statistics |work=MLB.com |access-date=December 13, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120523104811/http://mlb.mlb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=l119&t=p_pbp&pid=544931 |archive-date=May 23, 2012 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091109&content_id=7640978&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |title=Strasburg earns AFL's Pitcher of the Week |last=Winston |first=Lisa |date=November 9, 2009 |work=MLB.com |access-date=December 13, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023081519/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091109&content_id=7640978&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |archive-date=October 23, 2013 |url-status=live }} Before the 2010 season started, Baseball America named Strasburg as the top pitching prospect, and the second-best overall prospect behind Jason Heyward.{{cite news |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/baseball/mlb/03/02/top.prospects/index.html |access-date=June 4, 2010 |title=Heyward, Strasburg lead Baseball America's Top 100 prospects |date=March 3, 2010 |publisher=Baseball America |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100804003323/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/baseball/mlb/03/02/top.prospects/index.html |archive-date=August 4, 2010 |url-status=live }}

Strasburg was assigned to the Harrisburg Senators of the Class AA Eastern League for the start of the 2010 season. There was so much anticipation and hype surrounding Strasburg that there were about 70 credentialed media members in attendance at his April 11, 2010 debut,{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/17/AR2010061705517_pf.html |first=Dave |last=Sheinin |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=June 18, 2010 |page=D01 |title=Nationals rookie Stephen Strasburg's first two major league starts only bring more attention |date=June 18, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110200616/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/17/AR2010061705517_pf.html |archive-date=November 10, 2012 |url-status=live }} and ESPN nationally broadcast portions of the game.{{cite news |url=http://www.altoonamirror.com/page/content.detail/id/528490.html |publisher=AltoonaMirror.com |date=April 3, 2010 |access-date=June 4, 2010 |title=ESPNews will carry Curve vs. Strasburg live next Sunday |first=Cory |last=Giger |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100407054242/http://www.altoonamirror.com/page/content.detail/id/528490.html |archive-date=April 7, 2010 |url-status=live }} He won his Senators debut against the Altoona Curve, allowing four hits and four runs (one earned), while striking out eight batters in five innings. During his first home start on April 16, he yielded two hits and an unearned run with three strikeouts in {{frac|2|1|3}} innings in a loss to the New Britain Rock Cats, one where his innings were limited due to a rain delay.{{cite web |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100417&content_id=9360832&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |title=Strasburg solid in rain-shortened start |first=Stefanie |last=Loh |work=MLB.com |date=April 17, 2010 |access-date=December 24, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023081522/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100417&content_id=9360832&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |archive-date=October 23, 2013 |url-status=live }} Harrisburg set an attendance record in Strasburg's home debut with 7,895 fans.{{cite web |url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/business/?p=372 |title=Strasburg Circus Rolls Into Rochester |date=May 18, 2010 |access-date=June 4, 2010 |first=Josh |last=Leventhal |publisher=Baseball America}} He completed his Class AA stint with a 1.64 ERA while striking out 27 and walking six in 22 innings.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=strasb001ste |title=Stephen Strasburg Minor League Statistics & History |work=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=November 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108230419/http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=strasb001ste |archive-date=November 8, 2012 |url-status=live }}

File:Stephen Strasburg on May 19, 2010 (1).jpg in 2010]]

On May 4, 2010, he was promoted to the Syracuse Chiefs of the Class AAA International League. In his first game with the Chiefs, he pitched six scoreless innings, striking out six batters while allowing one hit and one walk.{{cite news |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/2010/05/08/2010-05-08_phenom_stephen_strasburg_dazzles_in_his_triplea_debut.html |last=Ehalt |first=Matt |title=Phenom Stephen Strasburg dazzles in his Triple-A debut with Syracuse Chiefs |work=New York Daily News |access-date=May 9, 2010 |location=New York |date=May 8, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100511194305/http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/2010/05/08/2010-05-08_phenom_stephen_strasburg_dazzles_in_his_triplea_debut.html |archive-date=May 11, 2010 |url-status=live }} That game drew 13,766 fans—the highest attendance in the 135-year history of baseball in Syracuse.{{cite web |url=http://blog.syracuse.com/sports/2010/05/strasburgs_debut_sets_syracuse.html |title=Strasburg's debut sets Syracuse attendance record |first=Mike |last=Waters |publisher=The Post-Standard |access-date=June 4, 2010 |date=May 7, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318133359/http://blog.syracuse.com/sports/2010/05/strasburgs_debut_sets_syracuse.html |archive-date=March 18, 2012 |url-status=live }} In his second start, Strasburg was removed after pitching six no-hit innings.{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/12/AR2010051205279.html |title=Nationals phenom Stephen Strasburg no-hits Class AAA Norfolk Tides over six innings |first=Adam |last=Kilgore |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=June 4, 2010 |date=May 13, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101105044132/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/12/AR2010051205279.html |archive-date=November 5, 2010 |url-status=live }} He finished his minor league stint with an overall record of 7–2, an ERA of 1.30, 65 strikeouts and 13 walks in {{frac|55|1|3}} innings, and a walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP) ratio of 0.80.{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/03/AR2010060304607.html |title=Stephen Strasburg ends minor league stint with another dazzler |last=Sheinin |first=Dave |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=June 4, 2010 |date=June 4, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100605135636/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/03/AR2010060304607.html |archive-date=June 5, 2010 |url-status=live }}

Strasburg made his major-league debut on June 8, 2010, against the Pittsburgh Pirates. A Sports Illustrated columnist termed it "the most hyped pitching debut the game has ever seen".{{cite magazine |last=Posnanski |first=Joe |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1170229/index.htm |title=What Took You So Long? |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=June 7, 2010 |access-date=June 7, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100608033044/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1170229/index.htm |archive-date=June 8, 2010 |url-status=live }} An ESPN article revealed the colloquial name for Strasburg's celebrated debut as "Strasmas".{{Cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=5261829 |title=Standing room only for Stephen Strasburg's Washington Nationals debut |date=June 7, 2010 |access-date=June 9, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100610065356/http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=5261829 |archive-date=June 10, 2010 |url-status=live }} Strasburg picked up the win in his debut, pitching seven innings, allowing two earned runs and no walks and 14 strikeouts, setting a new team strikeout record that was previously held by John Patterson (13, twice).{{cite web |last=Starkey |first=Ted |title=Strasburg sets Nationals record in debut |date=June 8, 2010 |publisher=The Washington Times |url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/jun/8/strasburg-sets-nationals-record-debut/ |access-date=June 9, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100609111425/http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/jun/8/strasburg-sets-nationals-record-debut/ |archive-date=June 9, 2010 |url-status=live }} Also, he was the first pitcher in history to strike out at least eleven batters without issuing any walks in his pro debut, while falling just one strikeout short of the all-time record for a pitcher's debut—Karl Spooner (1954) and J. R. Richard (1971) both struck out 15, but each took nine innings to do it, and each walked three.{{cite web |title=Strasburg's reality almost unreal |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=5266515 |work=ESPN.com |date=June 9, 2010 |access-date=June 9, 2010 |first=Jason |last=Stark |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100611024325/http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=5266515 |archive-date=June 11, 2010 |url-status=live }} (Bob Feller also struck out 15 in his first start, although it wasn't his big league debut).{{cite news |url=http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/37582003/ns/sports-baseball/ |title=Strasburg strikes out 14 in impressive debut |first=Joseph |last=White |agency=Associated Press |work=NBC Sports |date=June 8, 2010 |access-date=June 9, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100609233934/http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/37582003/ns/sports-baseball/ |archive-date=June 9, 2010 |url-status=dead }} He struck out every batter in the Pirates' lineup at least once and struck out the last seven batters he faced—also a Nationals record.{{cite web |url=http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100609&content_id=10975368&vkey=news_was&fext=.jsp&c_id=was |title=Thrill on the Hill: Strasburg wows |date=June 9, 2010 |access-date=June 9, 2010 |first=Alden |last=Gonzalez |work=MLB.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100614094858/http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100609&content_id=10975368&vkey=news_was&fext=.jsp&c_id=was |archive-date=June 14, 2010 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2010_06_08_pitmlb_wasmlb_1&mode=gameday |title=MLB.com: Gameday |date=June 8, 2010 |access-date=June 8, 2010 |work=MLB.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100611074255/http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2010_06_08_pitmlb_wasmlb_1&mode=gameday |archive-date=June 11, 2010 |url-status=live }} He threw 34 of his 94 pitches at {{convert|98|mph|km/h}} or faster, including two that reached {{convert|100|mph|km/h}}.{{cite web |last=Santo |first=Michael |url=http://www.huliq.com/3257/nats-pitcher-stephen-strasburg-hits-100-mph-major-league-debut |title=Nats Pitcher Stephen Strasburg Hits 100 MPH in Major League Debut |publisher=HULIQ.com |date=June 9, 2010 |access-date=June 13, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120507214951/http://www.huliq.com/3257/nats-pitcher-stephen-strasburg-hits-100-mph-major-league-debut |archive-date=May 7, 2012 |url-status=live }} The Nationals would go on to win 5-2, giving Strasburg his first pitching win.

File:Stephen Strasburg MLB debut.jpg

In Strasburg's second and third major league starts he struck out another eight and ten batters, respectively, setting a major league record for the most strikeouts in a pitcher's first three starts with 32. The previous record holder had been Richard, who struck out 29 in his first three starts in 1971.{{cite news |title=White Sox Defeat Nationals 2-1; Rookie Strasburg Sets MLB Pitching Record |first=Nancy |last=Kercheval |date=June 19, 2010 |access-date=June 20, 2010 |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-06-19/white-sox-defeat-nationals-2-1-rookie-strasburg-sets-mlb-pitching-record.html |publisher=Bloomberg |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103014109/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-06-19/white-sox-defeat-nationals-2-1-rookie-strasburg-sets-mlb-pitching-record.html |archive-date=November 3, 2012 |url-status=live }}

Strasburg was also featured in the cover story of Sports Illustrated following his second start.{{cite news |title=Strasburg's Sports Illustrated cover |url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2010/06/strasburgs_sports_illustrated.html |work=DC Sports Bog |publisher=The Washington Post |date=June 15, 2010 |access-date=June 15, 2010 |first=Dan |last=Steinberg |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120929112818/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2010/06/strasburgs_sports_illustrated.html |archive-date=September 29, 2012 |url-status=dead }} His #37 jersey was the top-selling jersey in all of baseball for the month of June and became the best-selling Nationals jersey of all time in that span.{{cite news |url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2010/07/strasburg_has_mlbs_top_selling.html |title=Strasburg has MLB's top selling jersey |last=Steinberg |first=Dan |date=July 12, 2010 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=September 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016163129/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2010/07/strasburg_has_mlbs_top_selling.html |archive-date=October 16, 2012 |url-status=dead }}

In the 2010 season Strasburg pitched in 12 games, all starts, throwing 68 innings, 92 strikeouts and compiling a 2.91 ERA. He was named a pitcher on the 2010 Topps Major League Rookie All-Star Team.{{cite web |url=http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101129&content_id=16225164&vkey=news_min&c_id=min |title=Valencia awarded with rookie honor |work=MLB.com |date=November 29, 2010 |access-date=December 11, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101208192811/http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101129&content_id=16225164&vkey=news_min&c_id=min |archive-date=December 8, 2010 }}

Strasburg was placed on the disabled list with an inflamed right shoulder in July 2010.{{cite news |last=Kilgore |first=Adam |url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/nationalsjournal/2010/07/stephen_strasburg_headed_to_di.html |title=Nationals Journal — Stephen Strasburg headed to disabled list |publisher=Voices.washingtonpost.com |date=July 29, 2010 |access-date=August 27, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015025301/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/nationalsjournal/2010/07/stephen_strasburg_headed_to_di.html |archive-date=October 15, 2012 |url-status=dead }} He returned to action on August 10, but in his third game back, on August 21, he was removed with an apparent injury.{{cite news |last=Sheinin |first=Dave |url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/nationalsjournal/2010/08/strasburg_removed_with_apparen.html |title=Nationals Journal — Strasburg removed with apparent injury |publisher=Voices.washingtonpost.com |date=August 21, 2010 |access-date=August 27, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015025313/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/nationalsjournal/2010/08/strasburg_removed_with_apparen.html |archive-date=October 15, 2012 |url-status=dead }} On August 27, the Nationals announced that Strasburg had a torn ulnar collateral ligament, requiring Tommy John surgery, and about 12 to 18 months of rehabilitation.{{cite news |url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/nationalsjournal/2010/08/stephen_strasburg_probably_nee.html |title=Stephen Strasburg 'probably' needs Tommy John surgery, will miss 12 to 18 months |first=Adam |last=Kilgore |newspaper=Washington Post |date=August 27, 2010 |access-date=August 27, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100827234240/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/nationalsjournal/2010/08/stephen_strasburg_probably_nee.html |archive-date=August 27, 2010 |url-status=dead }}

Strasburg made his first rehab start on August 7, 2011 for the Hagerstown Suns.{{cite web |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110809&content_id=22972070¬ebook_id=22978328&vkey=notebook_was&c_id=was |title=Strasburg throws, ready for next rehab start |publisher=Mlb.mlb.com |date=August 9, 2011 |access-date=September 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107041644/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110809&content_id=22972070¬ebook_id=22978328&vkey=notebook_was&c_id=was |archive-date=November 7, 2012 |url-status=live }} Strasburg made six rehab starts during the 2011 minor league season throwing a total of {{frac|20|1|3}} innings, with 29 strikeouts, compiling a 3.49 ERA and a 1–1 record. He then made five starts during the 2011 major league season, his first coming against the Los Angeles Dodgers on September{{nbsp}}6. That year he threw for 24 innings, struck out 24, compiled a 1.50 ERA and a 1–1 record.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/strasst01.shtml |title=Stephen Strasburg Statistics and History – Baseball-Reference.com |work=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=September 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015223238/http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/strasst01.shtml |archive-date=October 15, 2012 |url-status=live }}

In April 2012, Strasburg accumulated an NL-best 34 strikeouts and second-best 1.13 ERA. He totaled six walks and did not give up a home run. Consequently, he was named NL Pitcher of the Month.{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/nationals-journal/post/stephen-strasburg-named-national-league-pitcher-of-the-month/2012/05/02/gIQAMOiRxT_blog.html |title=Stephen Strasburg named National League Pitcher of the Month |last=Kilgor |first=Adam |newspaper=Washington Post |date=May 2, 2012 |access-date=May 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503194446/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/nationals-journal/post/stephen-strasburg-named-national-league-pitcher-of-the-month/2012/05/02/gIQAMOiRxT_blog.html |archive-date=May 3, 2012 |url-status=live }} On May 20, Strasburg went 2-for-2 as a hitter in a game against the Baltimore Orioles and hit his first career home run, a solo shot off of Wei-Yin Chen.Karpovich, Todd. [http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120520&content_id=31814094&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb Strasburg homers in win, but suffers arm tightness] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023081536/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120520&content_id=31814094&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb |date=October 23, 2013 }} MLB.com Retrieved May 21, 2012 In his June 13 start against the Toronto Blue Jays, Strasburg became the first pitcher of the year to strike out 100 batters.{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nationals/nationals-vs-blue-jays-tyler-moore-powers-washington-to-sixth-straight-win/2012/06/13/gJQA7lMYaV_story.html |title=Nationals vs. Blue Jays: Tyler Moore powers Washington to sixth straight win |last=Kilgore |first=Adam |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=June 13, 2012 |date=June 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120613231344/http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nationals/nationals-vs-blue-jays-tyler-moore-powers-washington-to-sixth-straight-win/2012/06/13/gJQA7lMYaV_story.html |archive-date=June 13, 2012 |url-status=live }} On July 1, Strasburg was elected to his first All-Star Game, alongside teammates Gio González, Ian Desmond, and Bryce Harper.{{cite web |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120701&content_id=34263550&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb |title=Rosters unveiled for 83rd All-Star Game |last=Sanchez |first=Jesse |date=July 6, 2012 |work=MLB.com |access-date=September 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120703010443/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120701&content_id=34263550&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb |archive-date=July 3, 2012 |url-status=live }}

As part of Strasburg's rehabilitation from his Tommy John surgery, and as a precaution due to his low innings total in 2011, the Nationals decided to limit the number of innings Strasburg would throw in the 2012 season. Although the number was never official, rumors started that Strasburg's limit would be between 160 and 180 innings. It was also decided that Strasburg's shutdown would be final; he would not pitch in the playoffs.{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/nationals-journal/post/stephen-strasburgs-innings-limit-a-refresher/2012/08/15/2c4c7dae-e6a0-11e1-8f62-58260e3940a0_blog.html |title=Stephen Strasburg's innings limit: A refresher |last=Kilgore |first=Adam |date=August 15, 2012 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=September 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120816215800/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/nationals-journal/post/stephen-strasburgs-innings-limit-a-refresher/2012/08/15/2c4c7dae-e6a0-11e1-8f62-58260e3940a0_blog.html |archive-date=August 16, 2012 |url-status=live }} Dr. Lewis Yocum, the surgeon who operated on Strasburg's elbow, agreed in 2011 that Strasburg's 2012 innings total should be limited, although he did not consult with Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo or Strasburg during the season.{{cite news |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/mlb/nationals/story/2012/09/14/strasburgs-doctor-clarifies-role-in-shutdown/57777726/1 |title=Strasburg's doctor clarifies role in shutdown |last=Boeck |first=Scott |date=September 14, 2012 |work=USA Today |access-date=December 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705115819/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/mlb/nationals/story/2012/09/14/strasburgs-doctor-clarifies-role-in-shutdown/57777726/1 |archive-date=July 5, 2015 |url-status=live }} Teammate Jordan Zimmermann underwent a similar process the year before.{{cite web |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/stephen-strasberg-nationals-innings-limit-tommy-john-surgery-scott-boras-mike-rizzo-.html |title=Stephen Strasburg's innings limit is not rooted in science, but Nationals believe it's prudent |last=Passan |first=Jeff |date=August 10, 2012 |work=Yahoo! |access-date=September 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120903201201/http://sports.yahoo.com/news/stephen-strasberg-nationals-innings-limit-tommy-john-surgery-scott-boras-mike-rizzo-.html |archive-date=September 3, 2012 |url-status=live }}

Strasburg's high profile and the success of the Nationals in the 2012 season made the innings limit a topic of national conversation. In addition to baseball writers, a number of other figures made their views on the topic known, including football broadcasters Troy Aikman and Terry Bradshaw,{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/dc-sports-bog/post/terry-bradshaw-and-troy-aikman-discuss-the-strasburg-shutdown/2012/08/27/9dbe7c06-efda-11e1-adc6-87dfa8eff430_blog.html |title=Terry Bradshaw and Troy Aikman discuss the Strasburg Shutdown |last=Steinberg |first=Dan |date=August 27, 2012 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=September 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728073829/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/dc-sports-bog/post/terry-bradshaw-and-troy-aikman-discuss-the-strasburg-shutdown/2012/08/27/9dbe7c06-efda-11e1-adc6-87dfa8eff430_blog.html |archive-date=July 28, 2013 |url-status=live }} basketball reporter Stephen A. Smith,{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/dc-sports-bog/post/stephen-a-smith-says-nats-handling-of-strasburg-is-disgraceful/2012/08/13/408a1aea-e544-11e1-936a-b801f1abab19_blog.html |title=Stephen A. Smith says Nats handling of Strasburg is 'disgraceful' |last=Steinberg |first=Dan |date=August 13, 2012 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=September 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728084105/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/dc-sports-bog/post/stephen-a-smith-says-nats-handling-of-strasburg-is-disgraceful/2012/08/13/408a1aea-e544-11e1-936a-b801f1abab19_blog.html |archive-date=July 28, 2013 |url-status=live }} and even prominent politicians such as Rudy Giuliani{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/dc-sports-bog/post/rudy-giuliani-speaks-out-against-strasburg-shutdown/2012/08/23/fa5aa9c6-ed2d-11e1-b09d-07d971dee30a_blog.html |title=Rudy Giuliani speaks out against Strasburg Shutdown |last=Steinberg |first=Dan |date=August 23, 2012 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=September 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728075302/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/dc-sports-bog/post/rudy-giuliani-speaks-out-against-strasburg-shutdown/2012/08/23/fa5aa9c6-ed2d-11e1-b09d-07d971dee30a_blog.html |archive-date=July 28, 2013 |url-status=live }} and Mitch McConnell.{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/dc-sports-bog/post/mitch-mcconnell-supports-strasburg-shutdown/2012/08/31/7a15afc4-f370-11e1-adc6-87dfa8eff430_blog.html |title=Mitch McConnell supports Strasburg shutdown |last=Steinberg |first=Dan |date=August 31, 2012 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=September 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728083817/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/dc-sports-bog/post/mitch-mcconnell-supports-strasburg-shutdown/2012/08/31/7a15afc4-f370-11e1-adc6-87dfa8eff430_blog.html |archive-date=July 28, 2013 |url-status=live }} Rizzo defended the decision to shut down Strasburg and criticized the buzz surrounding it: "It's a good conversational piece, it's a good debatable subject. But most of the people that have weighed in on this know probably 10 percent of the information that we know, and that we've made our opinion based upon."{{cite news |url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/nationals-watch/2012/sep/2/johnson-rizzo-weigh-stephen-strasburgs-shutdown/ |title=Johnson, Rizzo weigh in on Stephen Strasburg's shutdown |last=Schad |first=Tom |date=September 2, 2012 |work=The Washington Times |access-date=September 4, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120904062309/http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/nationals-watch/2012/sep/2/johnson-rizzo-weigh-stephen-strasburgs-shutdown/ |archive-date=September 4, 2012 }}

The Nationals announced that Strasburg would be scheduled to make his final start on September 12 and would be replaced by John Lannan in the Nationals' starting rotation. However, after a rough outing on September 8, Davey Johnson announced that Strasburg was finished for the 2012 season.{{cite web |last=Snyder |first=Matt |title=Nationals shut down Stephen Strasburg, effective immediately |url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/blog/eye-on-baseball/20106582/nationals-shut-down-stephen-strasburg-effective-immediately |work=CBS Sports |access-date=September 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120908165130/http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/blog/eye-on-baseball/20106582/nationals-shut-down-stephen-strasburg-effective-immediately |archive-date=September 8, 2012 |url-status=live }} Strasburg was left off the postseason roster as the Nationals lost the 2012 NLDS to the St. Louis Cardinals in five games. He ended the season 15–6 with a 3.16 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 197 strikeouts in {{frac|159|1|3}} innings pitched. Strasburg hit .277 with a home run, seven RBIs, and three walks, earning himself a Silver Slugger Award.{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/nationals-journal/wp/2012/11/08/ian-desmond-adam-laroche-stephen-strasburg-win-silver-slugger-awards/ |title=Ian Desmond, Adam LaRoche, Stephen Strasburg win Silver Slugger Awards |last=Wagner |first=James |date=November 8, 2012 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=November 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113224721/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/nationals-journal/wp/2012/11/08/ian-desmond-adam-laroche-stephen-strasburg-win-silver-slugger-awards/ |archive-date=November 13, 2012 |url-status=live }}

Strasburg pitched Opening Day for the Nationals at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on April 1, 2013. He went seven innings, giving up no runs and three hits and recording three strikeouts. Following the first batter of the game, Juan Pierre, he retired nineteen straight batters. Strasburg earned the decision, a win, with a final score of 2–0.{{cite news |work=Fredericksburg.com |url=http://news.fredericksburg.com/dcsports/2013/04/02/baseball-young-guns-have-banner-opener/ |title=Young Guns Have Banner Opener |access-date=April 11, 2013 |last=Boyer |first=Zac |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130420080142/http://news.fredericksburg.com/dcsports/2013/04/02/baseball-young-guns-have-banner-opener/ |archive-date=April 20, 2013 |url-status=dead }}

Strasburg served a brief stint on the disabled list with a mild lateral strain in June and was re-activated on June 16.Drew Silva, "[http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/06/16/nationals-activate-stephen-strasburg-from-the-disabled-list/ Nationals activate Stephen Strasburg from the disabled list]," June 16, 2013. NBC Sports.

Strasburg achieved milestones in longevity in 2013. He pitched into the 8th inning for the first time in his big-league career on May 16, in a win against his hometown San Diego Padres, and in subsequent starts on May 26 and July 24.[http://www.fangraphs.com/statsd.aspx?playerid=10131&position=P Stephen Strasburg 2013 game log] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130626180803/http://www.fangraphs.com/statsd.aspx?playerid=10131&position=P |date=June 26, 2013 }}. Fangraphs. On August 11, 2013, Strasburg pitched his first career complete game, throwing a 6–0 shutout over the Philadelphia Phillies with 10 strikeouts and 4 hits.Bill Baer, "[http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/08/11/stephen-strasburg-dominates-phillies-for-first-career-shutout/ Stephen Strasburg dominates Phillies for first career shutout] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130813165427/http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/08/11/stephen-strasburg-dominates-phillies-for-first-career-shutout/ |date=August 13, 2013 }}," August 11, 2013. NBC Sports.

He was ejected for the first time in his MLB career on August 17, 2013 by umpire Marvin Hudson for intentionally pitching at Braves batter Andrelton Simmons in the second inning of a Nationals-Braves game. Prior to the ejection, Hudson warned both teams after Strasburg hit Justin Upton with a first-pitch fastball following a Braves home run."[http://www.closecallsports.com/2013/08/mlb-ejections-134-135-136-marvin-hudson.html MLB Ejections 134, 135, 136: Marvin Hudson (2, 3, 4)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015025224/http://www.closecallsports.com/2013/08/mlb-ejections-134-135-136-marvin-hudson.html |date=October 15, 2013 }}." Close Call Sports/Umpire Ejection Fantasy League. August 18, 2013.

Strasburg finished the year with a 3.00 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, eight wins, nine losses, and 191 strikeouts over 183 innings pitched.{{Cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/stats/_/id/30373/stephen-strasburg |title=Stephen Strasburg Stats - Washington Nationals - ESPN |access-date=April 11, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140410120248/http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/stats/_/id/30373/stephen-strasburg |archive-date=April 10, 2014 |url-status=live }}

Strasburg led the league in strikeouts along with Johnny Cueto and finishing 9th in the Cy Young award balloting. He posted career-bests in starts (34), innings pitched (215) and strikeouts (242). His won-loss was 14−11.

Injuries limited Strasburg to {{frac|127|1|3}} innings, his lowest output since 2011. He recorded a 3.46 ERA and won 11 games, good for third-most on the Nationals' pitching staff. Career W/L reached 54−37.

Strasburg signed a 7-year, $175 million extension to remain with the Nationals.{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/nationals-announce-year-extension-stephen-strasburg-39007598|title=Nationals announce extension with Strasburg|work=ABC News|date=May 10, 2016|access-date=May 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513031858/http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/nationals-announce-year-extension-stephen-strasburg-39007598|archive-date=May 13, 2016|url-status=live}} With the extension, Strasburg became the first National to receive an opt-out clause in his contract, which allowed him to elect free agency after the 2019 or 2020 seasons if he desired.{{cite news|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nationals/no-one-expected-a-stephen-strasburg-extension-then-scott-boras-made-a-call/2016/05/12/0e874fec-1865-11e6-9e16-2e5a123aac62_story.html?postshare=9561463084279168&tid=ss_tw|title=No one expected a Stephen Strasburg extension. Then Scott Boras made a call.|date=May 12, 2016|access-date=May 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611091901/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nationals/no-one-expected-a-stephen-strasburg-extension-then-scott-boras-made-a-call/2016/05/12/0e874fec-1865-11e6-9e16-2e5a123aac62_story.html?postshare=9561463084279168&tid=ss_tw|archive-date=June 11, 2016|url-status=live}} On June 26, 2016, he was placed on the 15-day disabled list due to an upper back strain. He returned on July{{nbsp}}3 against the Cincinnati Reds, where he took a no-hitter through 6.2 innings until being lifted from the game after throwing 109 pitches. The no-hitter was broken up in the 8th inning, but the Nationals still won 12–1.{{cite web|title=Strasburg, Nats flirt with no-no, Joe Ross to DL|date=July 3, 2016|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/16729926/stephen-strasburg-washington-nationals-returns-disabled-list-sunday-vs-cincinnati-reds|publisher=ESPN|access-date=July 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160704130246/http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/16729926/stephen-strasburg-washington-nationals-returns-disabled-list-sunday-vs-cincinnati-reds|archive-date=July 4, 2016|url-status=live}} On July 8, Strasburg became the first pitcher since 1912 to start 12–0.{{cite web|title=Strasburg the first NL starter to open 12-0 since 1912|url=http://m.nationals.mlb.com/news/article/188767446/stephen-strasburg-makes-history-against-mets/|publisher=Washington Nationals|access-date=July 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160710142557/http://m.nationals.mlb.com/news/article/188767446/stephen-strasburg-makes-history-against-mets/|archive-date=July 10, 2016|url-status=dead}} His streak of consecutive wins ran to 16, including 13 decisions in the 2016 season, before it was snapped by the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 21.{{cite news|url=http://www.foxsports.com/san-diego/story/strasburg-s-undefeated-streak-ends-in-loss-to-dodgers-072116|agency=FOX Sports|title=Strasburg's undefeated streak ends in loss to Dodgers|date=July 21, 2016|access-date=August 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819190046/http://www.foxsports.com/san-diego/story/strasburg-s-undefeated-streak-ends-in-loss-to-dodgers-072116|archive-date=August 19, 2016|url-status=live}} On August 22, Strasburg was again placed on the 15-day disabled list due to right elbow soreness.{{cite web|last1=Hughes|first1=Chase|title=Strasburg hits DL with elbow soreness|date=August 22, 2016 |url=http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/washington-nationals/nats-place-strasburg-dl-elbow-injury-cole-face-orioles|publisher=CSN Mid-Atlantic|access-date=August 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160823165925/http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/washington-nationals/nats-place-strasburg-dl-elbow-injury-cole-face-orioles|archive-date=August 23, 2016|url-status=live}} W/L was 15−4.

In a May 27, 2017 game versus the San Diego Padres, Strasburg struck out a career-high 15 batters in a 3−0 win. It was tied for fourth-most in Nationals franchise history.{{cite news |last1=Collier |first1=Jamal |last2=Casavell |first2=A. J. |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/stephen-strasburg-strikes-out-15-padres-in-win-c232816008 |title=Strasburg dominates Padres in Nats' win |work=MLB.com |date=May 27, 2017 |access-date=May 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170528043718/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/232816008/stephen-strasburg-strikes-out-15-padres-in-win/ |archive-date=May 28, 2017 |url-status=live }}

Strasburg set a franchise record on September 10 for consecutive innings pitched without allowing a run with 34 innings,{{cite news|url=https://www.federalbaseball.com/2017/9/11/16284228/washington-nationals-stephen-strasburg-extends-scoreless-inning-streak-franchise-record-34-straight|agency=Federal Baseball|title=Stephen Strasburg extends scoreless inning streak to franchise record 34-straight{{nbsp}}...|first=Patrick|last=Reddington|date=September 11, 2017|access-date=September 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912235114/https://www.federalbaseball.com/2017/9/11/16284228/washington-nationals-stephen-strasburg-extends-scoreless-inning-streak-franchise-record-34-straight|archive-date=September 12, 2017|url-status=live}} including a nine-inning complete game shutout performance on August 30 in which he hit a home run to break the scoreless tie against Miami Marlins starter Adam Conley.{{cite news|url=https://www.sbnation.com/2017/8/30/16230246/stephen-strasburg-home-run-shutout-rare-company-nationals|title=Stephen Strasburg has rare home run & shutout combo to beat Marlins|first=Eric|last=Stephen|date=August 30, 2017|access-date=September 12, 2017|agency=SB Nation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912235021/https://www.sbnation.com/2017/8/30/16230246/stephen-strasburg-home-run-shutout-rare-company-nationals|archive-date=September 12, 2017|url-status=live}} For the 2017 season he was 15–4 with a 2.52 ERA, and led the majors in lowest home runs per nine innings (0.67).{{Cite web |url=https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=y&type=8&season=2017&month=0&season1=2017&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&sort=11,a |title=Major League Leaderboards » 2017 » Pitchers » Dashboard {{!}} FanGraphs Baseball |access-date=December 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225030711/https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=y&type=8&season=2017&month=0&season1=2017&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&sort=11,a |archive-date=December 25, 2018 |url-status=live }}

In 2018 he was 10–7 with a 3.74 ERA in 22 starts, in which he struck out 156 batters in 130 innings.{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/strasst01.shtml|title = Stephen Strasburg Stats}}

File:President Trump Welcomes the Washington Nationals to the White House (49018862751).jpg and Mike Rizzo, meeting President Donald Trump, at the White House after the 2019 World Series Championship]]

On April 21, Strasburg pitched eight scoreless innings against the Miami Marlins to become the career leader in innings pitched by a Washington Nationals player.{{cite news|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/stephen-strasburg-wins-sets-nationals-record|website=MLB.com|title=Strasburg goes 8 scoreless, sets Nats record|first=Jamal|last=Collier|date=April 21, 2019|access-date=April 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421211010/https://www.mlb.com/news/stephen-strasburg-wins-sets-nationals-record|archive-date=April 21, 2019|url-status=live}} On July 3, he pitched an immaculate (top of the 4th) inning against Marlins Garrett Cooper, Neil Walker, and Starlin Castro{{snd}}the fourth immaculate inning in Nationals history. On July 19, he went 3-for-3 with five RBIs, including a 420-foot three-run home run against the Atlanta Braves.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/27218318/strasburg-gets-2-hits-one-inning-including-hr|title=Strasburg gets two hits in one inning, including HR|date=July 19, 2019|website=ESPN.com|language=en|access-date=September 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190719171518/https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/27218318/strasburg-gets-2-hits-one-inning-including-hr|archive-date=July 19, 2019|url-status=live}} He became only the fifth pitcher in the last 50 years to record two hits in the same MLB inning.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/stephen-strasburg-homer-2-hits-in-8-run-3rd|title=Stras is 5th pitcher in 50 years to do this ... at bat|date=July 18, 2019|website=mlb.com|language=en|access-date=June 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190719031722/https://www.mlb.com/news/stephen-strasburg-homer-2-hits-in-8-run-3rd|archive-date=July 19, 2019|url-status=live}}

In 2019, Strasburg was 18–6 with a 3.32 ERA. He finished the regular season leading the National League in wins (18), and he finished second in strikeouts (251) behind Jacob deGrom; both were career highs.

In the Wild Card Game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Strasburg pitched three scoreless innings in relief of Max Scherzer, earning the win as the Nationals came back to beat the Brewers 4–3.{{Cite web|url=https://www.federalbaseball.com/2019/10/2/20894693/washington-nationals-news-juan-soto-stephen-strasburg-nats-wild-card-victory-patrick-corbin-thursday|title=Wire Taps: Juan Soto, Stephen Strasburg carry Nationals to miracle Wild Card victory; Patrick Corbin gets ball Thursday...|last=Kubzansky|first=Will|date=2019-10-02|website=Federal Baseball|access-date=2019-12-09}} In Game 2 of the 2019 National League Division Series, Strasburg allowed one run and struck out ten batters, earning the win. Strasburg pitched in the deciding Game 5 of the NLDS going six innings and allowing three runs in a no-decision. The Nationals went on to win by a score of 7–3. In Game 6 of the 2019 World Series, Strasburg allowed two runs in the first inning, but pitched into the ninth inning, earning the win.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/27961548/nationals-game-6-win-gave-fans-everything-ask-including-game-7|title = Nationals' Game 6 win gave fans everything they could ask for -- including a Game 7|date = October 30, 2019}} He won the World Series Most Valuable Player Award for his two wins in two appearances (first former #1 draft pick to win the award), including pitching {{frac|14|1|3}} innings while striking out 14 batters and only giving up a total of 12 hits.{{cite web |title=Washington Nationals win 2019 World Series |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/nationals-win-2019-world-series |publisher=MLB |access-date=October 31, 2019}} Strasburg finished the playoffs 5–0 with a 1.98 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, and 47 strikeouts and he and teammate Juan Soto were named co-winners of the Babe Ruth Award as the overall postseason MVPs.{{cite news|last=Sharkey-Gotlieb|first=Simon|title=Nats' Strasburg, Soto share Babe Ruth Award as postseason MVPs|date=November 6, 2019|work=The Score|url=https://www.thescore.com/mlb/news/1873207/nats-strasburg-soto-share-babe-ruth-award-as-postseason-mvps|access-date=November 8, 2019}} Strasburg tied a major-league record for most victories in a single postseason (five){{Cite web |title=Most Wins In A Single Postseason By A Pitcher |url=https://www.statmuse.com/e/m/reM1DKTJt |access-date=2024-06-14 |website=StatMuse |language=en}} and became the first pitcher in MLB history to win five games in a single postseason without recording a loss.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/astros-vs-nationals-score-washington-forces-world-series-game-7-as-stephen-strasburg-stifles-houston/live/amp|title=Astros vs. Nationals score: Washington forces World Series Game 7 as Stephen Strasburg stifles Houston|date=October 30, 2019|last=Acquavella|first=Katherine|publisher=CBS Sports|work=cbssports.com|access-date=September 10, 2020}}{{Cite web |title=Most Wins In A Single Postseason By A Pitcher With 0 Losses |url=https://www.statmuse.com/e/m/X93thgmz5 |access-date=2024-06-14 |website=StatMuse |language=en}}

After winning the World Series, Strasburg opted out of the remaining four years on his contract and became a free agent for the first time in his career.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/mlb-hot-stove-nationals-stephen-strasburg-opts-out-of-contract-becomes-free-agent-per-report/|title = MLB hot stove: Nationals' Stephen Strasburg opts out of contract, becomes free agent, per report| date=November 3, 2019|website=CBS News}} On December 9, 2019, Strasburg agreed to a seven-year, $245 million contract to return to the Nationals.{{cite web |title=Nationals agree to terms with Stephen Strasburg |url=https://curlyw.mlblogs.com/nationals-agree-to-terms-with-stephen-strasburg-22212f1f9ce9 |website=curlyw.mlblogs.com |publisher=Washington Nationals |access-date=December 9, 2019 |date=December 9, 2019}}{{cite web |last1=West |first1=Jenna |title=Stephen Strasburg and Nationals Agree to Seven-Year Deal |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/2019/12/09/stephen-strasburg-contract-nationals |website=si.com |access-date=December 9, 2019 |date=December 9, 2019}} The $35 million annual average value of the contract was at the time the largest amount received by a pitcher in MLB history.{{cite web |last1=Davis |first1=Scott |title=Stephen Strasburg signed a record-setting $245 million deal, and some believe it means Gerrit Cole is about to be a $300 million pitcher |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/stephen-strasburg-nationals-record-contract-gerrit-cole-news-2019-12 |website=businessinsider.com |access-date=December 9, 2019 |date=December 9, 2019}}

Strasburg began the 2020 shortened season on the injured list (IL); he made his 2020 debut on August 9, 2020. On August 14, Strasburg left the second game he started, after facing only three batters. The following day, Strasburg went back to the IL with a nerve issue in his pitching hand.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/29667767/washington-nationals-put-rhp-stephen-strasburg-10-day-il-nerve-issue-hand|title=Washington Nationals put RHP Stephen Strasburg on 10-day IL with nerve issue in hand|date=August 15, 2020|agency=Associated Press|publisher=ESPN|work=ESPN.com|access-date=September 10, 2020}} Strasburg would miss the remainder of the year with the two games being his only appearances on the year.

Strasburg made two starts for the Nationals in 2021 before landing on the injured list on April 18 with right shoulder inflammation. Strasburg was activated and made three more starts before returning to the IL on June 2 with a neck strain. On July 27, it was announced that Strasburg would undergo surgery to alleviate neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome, ending his 2021 season.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/31899682/nationals-strasburg-season-ending-neck-surgery|title = Strasburg to have season-ending neck surgery|date = July 27, 2021}} In his 5 starts, Strasburg posted a 1–2 record and 4.57 ERA with 21 strikeouts in {{frac|21|2|3}} innings of work.{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/strasst01.shtml|title=Stephen Strasburg Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}

Strasburg was activated from the IL on June 9, 2022, and made one start (in which he gave up seven earned runs in {{frac|4|1|3}} innings of work) before returning to the IL five days later with a stress reaction in the ribs.{{Cite web |last=Camerato |first=Jessica |date=June 14, 2022 |title=Strasburg to 15-day IL with stress reaction; Tetreault to make debut |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/stephen-strasburg-returning-to-injured-list |access-date=2022-07-19 |website=MLB.com}} On July 14, Strasburg was transferred to the 60-day IL, where he remained for the rest of the season.{{Cite web |date=July 14, 2022 |title=Nationals' Stephen Strasburg: Shifts to 60-day IL |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/nationals-stephen-strasburg-shifts-to-60-day-il/ |access-date=2022-07-19 |website=CBSSports.com}}

On February 15, 2023, Strasburg did not report to spring training as scheduled due to a nerve-related setback in his recovery from thoracic outlet syndrome.{{cite news |last=Camerato |first=Jessica |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/stephen-strasburg-setback-in-return-from-thoracic-outlet-syndrome-surgery |title=Strasburg rehabbing in D.C. after latest setback |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=February 15, 2023 |access-date=February 16, 2023}} On June 3, Strasburg was shut down from all physical activity due to "severe" nerve damage.{{Cite news|title=Stephen Strasburg is completely shut down from physical activity again|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2023/06/03/stephen-strasburg-tos-recovery-nationals/|access-date=2023-06-03|work=The Washington Post}} Strasburg had a rib and two neck muscles removed in an effort to address his injury.{{cite news|title=Stephen Strasburg gave his body to baseball. Now his future is a mystery.|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2022/09/16/stephen-strasburg-injury-recovery/ |work=The Washington Post |access-date=August 24, 2023}}

On August 24, 2023, media reports stated that Strasburg planned to retire.{{cite news|title=Stephen Strasburg Plans To Retire|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/08/stephen-strasburg-plans-to-retire.html |work=MLB Trade Rumors |access-date=August 24, 2023}} A press conference announcing his retirement was planned in early September, but did not occur after the Nationals organization balked at making the remaining payments to Strasburg under his existing contract.{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/nationals/2023/09/07/stephen-strasburg-retirement-washington-nationals/70788914007/|title=Stephen Strasburg's planned retirement hits a snag as Nationals back out of deal|first=Bob|last=Nightengale|website=USA TODAY|date=September 7, 2023}}

Strasburg retired from professional baseball on April 6, 2024.{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2024/04/06/stephen-strasburg-retirement/ |title=Stephen Strasburg, MVP of the 2019 World Series, retires from baseball |work=The Washington Post |url-access=limited |date=April 6, 2024 |accessdate=April 6, 2024}}{{cite news |title=Nationals star pitcher Stephen Strasburg officially retires at 35 |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/39890146/mlb-officially-lists-pitcher-stephen-strasburg-retired |access-date=April 8, 2024 |agency=Associated Press |date=April 7, 2024}} The Nationals agreed to pay him the remaining salary due under his seven-year, $245 million contract, which was uninsured. Because of injuries,{{Cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/stephen-strasburg-retires-after-years-of-injury-struggles-and-months-long-standoff-with-nationals-004513077.html|title=Stephen Strasburg retires after years of injury struggles and months-long standoff with Nationals|last=Baer |first=Jack Baer|date=April 7, 2024|website=Yahoo Sports}} Strasburg made only eight starts and pitched only 31 1/3 innings for the Nationals following the signing of that contract; his earned run average during that period was 6.89. Strasburg's contract has been described as one of the worst contracts in baseball history.

Strasburg ended his major league baseball career with a 113-62 record and a 3.24 earned run average.

Strasburg's repertoire featured five pitches: a four-seam fastball, his primary pitch at {{convert|95|-|97|mph}}, which was recorded as high as 100 mph early in his career, and for which in the 2010 season was one of only three starting pitchers to have pitches of over 100 mph, and all did so at least 21 times (Justin Verlander and Ubaldo Jimenez);{{Citation|last=Foolish Baseball|title=How Stephen Strasburg's Debut Electrified Major League Baseball {{!}} Baseball Bits|date=May 26, 2019|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AimwnT3y12Y|access-date=May 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190726021040/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AimwnT3y12Y&gl=US&hl=en&has_verified=1&bpctr=9999999999|archive-date=July 26, 2019|url-status=live}} a two-seam fastball at {{convert|94|-|95|mph}}; a curveball that Strasburg himself refers to as a slurve at {{convert|80|-|83|mph}}; a changeup at {{convert|87|-|90|mph|sigfig=3}}.{{Cite web |url=http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=10131&position=P#pitchtype |title=Fangraphs Pitch Type |access-date=August 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130809060252/http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=10131&position=P#pitchtype |archive-date=August 9, 2013 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/notebook/_/page/bbtn100426/baseball-tonight-clubhouse |title=Strasburg's repertoire consists of four pitches |work=Baseball Tonight Clubhouse — ESPN |access-date=September 1, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101117192347/http://espn.go.com/mlb/notebook/_/page/bbtn100426/baseball-tonight-clubhouse |archive-date=November 17, 2010 |url-status=live }} and a hybrid pitch he began using regularly in the 2016 season that his catcher Wilson Ramos described as a "slider-cutter", which moves laterally at {{convert|87|-|91|mph}}.{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/washington-nationals/post/_/id/1299/boring-and-normal-stephen-strasburg-is-off-to-a-stellar-start|agency=ESPN|title='Boring' and 'normal' Stephen Strasburg is off to a stellar start|date=June 15, 2016|access-date=August 3, 2016|first=Britt|last=McHenry|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160708095404/http://espn.go.com/blog/washington-nationals/post/_/id/1299/boring-and-normal-stephen-strasburg-is-off-to-a-stellar-start|archive-date=July 8, 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/nationals-journal/wp/2016/04/20/stephen-strasburg-slidercutter-in-lethal-form-strikes-out-10-marlins/|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=April 20, 2016|access-date=August 3, 2016|title=Stephen Strasburg, slider/cutter in lethal form, strikes out 10 Marlins|first=Chelsea|last=Janes|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822124214/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/nationals-journal/wp/2016/04/20/stephen-strasburg-slidercutter-in-lethal-form-strikes-out-10-marlins/|archive-date=August 22, 2016|url-status=live}} Strasburg throws a mix of all his pitches to left-handed hitters, but he mostly eliminates the changeup when facing right-handed hitters. He is liable to throw his four-seamer or slurve to right-handers with two strikes, and adds the changeup in those counts against lefties.{{cite web |url=http://brooksbaseball.net/player_cards/player_card.php?player=544931 |title=Brooks Baseball · Home of the PitchFX Tool – Player Card: Stephen Strasburg |publisher=Brooks Baseball |access-date=July 24, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120907182702/http://www.brooksbaseball.net/player_cards/player_card.php?player=544931 |archive-date=September 7, 2012 |url-status=live }}

His velocity was not significantly affected by his Tommy John surgery in 2010. He had the fastest four-seam fastball among starting pitchers in the 2012 season, averaging {{convert|96.5|mph|sigfig=3}}.{{cite web |url=http://www.baseballprospectus.com/pitchfx/leaderboards/index.php?hand=&reportType=pfx&prp=P&month=&year=2012&pitch=FA&ds=velo&lim=200 |title=PitchFX Leaderboards |work=Baseball Prospectus |access-date=December 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140129105518/http://www.baseballprospectus.com/pitchfx/leaderboards/index.php?hand=&reportType=pfx&prp=P&month=&year=2012&pitch=FA&ds=velo&lim=200 |archive-date=January 29, 2014 |url-status=live }} However, in seven seasons after Tommy John surgery he only had one pitch surpass 100 mph.

Strasburg had a high strikeout rate of 11.2 per 9 innings through his first {{frac|251|1|3}} MLB innings.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/strasst01.shtml |title=Stephen Strasburg Statistics and History |work=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=September 4, 2012 |postscript=. Minimum 200 pitches. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015223238/http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/strasst01.shtml |archive-date=October 15, 2012 |url-status=live }} This corresponds with high swing-and-miss rates across all of his pitches, including 54% on his changeup—the highest whiff rate among all starting pitchers' changeups since PITCHf/x began tracking pitches.{{cite web |url=http://www.baseballprospectus.com/pitchfx/leaderboards/index.php?hand=&reportType=pfx&prp=P&month=&year=&pitch=CH&ds=ws&lim=200 |title=PitchFX Leaderboards |work=Baseball Prospectus |access-date=December 10, 2012 |postscript=. Minimum 200 pitches. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705144217/http://www.baseballprospectus.com/pitchfx/leaderboards/index.php?hand=&reportType=pfx&prp=P&month=&year=&pitch=CH&ds=ws&lim=200 |archive-date=July 5, 2015 |url-status=live }} Strasburg maintained that his high strikeout rate was not intentional, and in fact was a hindrance to maintaining low pitch counts.{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/nationals-journal/wp/2012/08/31/stephen-strasburg-brushes-aside-shutdown-talk-opens-up-about-pitching/ |title=Stephen Strasburg brushes aside shutdown talk, opens up about pitching |last=Kilgore |first=Adam |date=September 2, 2012 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=September 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910173528/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/nationals-journal/wp/2012/08/31/stephen-strasburg-brushes-aside-shutdown-talk-opens-up-about-pitching/ |archive-date=September 10, 2012 |url-status=live }}

File:Stephen Strasburg pitching motion.jpg

Strasburg's pitching mechanics drew concern early in his career from scouts and coaches. The sequence of Strasburg's delivery was believed to place a great deal of stress on his arm, placing him at greater risk of elbow and shoulder injuries. Indeed, "several pitching coaches quietly predicted Strasburg was at risk" before the rupture of his elbow ligament.{{cite news |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/tom_verducci/03/08/stephen.strasburg.mechanics/index.html |title=Mechanical flaw will be red flag for Nationals' Stephen Strasburg |last=Verducci |first=Tom |date=March 8, 2011 |publisher=Sports Illustrated |access-date=May 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120326072214/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/tom_verducci/03/08/stephen.strasburg.mechanics/index.html |archive-date=March 26, 2012 |url-status=live }} Independent scout Paul Reddick compared his mechanics unfavorably with those of pitching legend Greg Maddux, saying Strasburg's motion was inefficient and badly synchronized.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/7726953/a-comparison-stephen-strasburg-greg-maddux-pitching-mechanics-espn-magazine |title=A comparison of Stephen Strasburg and Greg Maddux's pitching mechanics |last=Berra |first=Lindsey |date=March 23, 2012 |publisher=ESPN The Magazine |access-date=May 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424155621/http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/7726953/a-comparison-stephen-strasburg-greg-maddux-pitching-mechanics-espn-magazine |archive-date=April 24, 2012 |url-status=live }}

During the 2014 season, analysts noted a slight adjustment in Strasburg's pitching mechanics, as he moved his back foot to rest against rather than partially atop the pitching rubber when going into his throwing motion. Strasburg explained that he had been reluctant to make the change but had come to believe it would improve his development. "I didn't feel comfortable at first. Working at in between starts, it's just become second nature," he told The Washington Post. Strasburg said he had noticed an improvement in his balance and timing as a result of the new foot placement.{{cite news|url=http://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2014/6/13/5804148/breaking-down-stephen-strasburgs-mechanical-tweak-balance-feet|agency=Beyond the Box Score|date=June 13, 2014|access-date=August 3, 2016|title=Breaking down Stephen Strasburg's mechanical tweak|first=Stuart|last=Wallace|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821071640/http://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2014/6/13/5804148/breaking-down-stephen-strasburgs-mechanical-tweak-balance-feet|archive-date=August 21, 2016|url-status=live}}

On January 9, 2010, Strasburg married Rachel Lackey. They met as students at San Diego State.{{cite news |url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/reliable-source/2010/06/newlyweds_stephen_and_rachel_s.html |title=Nationals' new star Stephen Strasburg and his low-key life as newlywed with wife Rachel |date=June 4, 2010 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=September 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023172349/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/reliable-source/2010/06/newlyweds_stephen_and_rachel_s.html |archive-date=October 23, 2012 |url-status=dead }} As of 2024, the couple has three daughters. The Strasburgs relocated full-time to Washington, D.C., in 2018{{cite news|url=https://www.masnsports.com/nationals-pastime/2019/02/after-first-winter-in-dc-strasburg-hopes-hes-found-key-to-puzzle.html|agency=MASN Sports|title=After first winter in D.C., Strasburg hopes he's found key to puzzle|first=Mark|last=Zuckerman|date=February 13, 2019|access-date=December 9, 2019}} and lived a short drive from Nationals Park, according to The Washington Post.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/12/09/stephen-strasburg-contract-nationals/|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=December 9, 2019|title=Nationals and Stephen Strasburg agree to seven-year, $245 million deal|access-date=December 9, 2019|first=Jesse|last=Dougherty}} In 2024, the family relocated to San Diego.{{Cite web |last=Svrluga |first=Barry |date=2024-06-08 |title=Stephen Strasburg leaves D.C. with a mix of gratitude and regret |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2024/06/08/stephen-strasburg-injuries-retirement-washington-nationals/ |access-date=2025-03-09 |website=Washington Post}}

On June 24, 2014, Strasburg stated in an interview that he was going to stop chewing tobacco in the wake of his college coach Tony Gwynn's death,{{Cite web |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/mlb/stephen-strasburg-says-he-will-quit-chewing-tobacco?ymd=20140624&content_id=81343856&vkey=news_mlb |title=Stephen Strasburg says he will quit chewing tobacco {{!}} MLB.com |access-date=June 24, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140627113110/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/mlb/stephen-strasburg-says-he-will-quit-chewing-tobacco?ymd=20140624&content_id=81343856&vkey=news_mlb |archive-date=June 27, 2014 |url-status=live }} although he admitted to The Washington Post two years later that he had not yet completely kicked the addiction.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/nationals-journal/wp/2016/07/12/stephen-strasburg-knows-plenty-about-the-legacy-of-mr-padre-tony-gwynn/|newspaper=The Washington Post|title=Stephen Strasburg knows plenty about the legacy of Mr. Padre, Tony Gwynn|date=July 12, 2016|access-date=August 3, 2016|first=Chelsea|last=Janes|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822131915/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/nationals-journal/wp/2016/07/12/stephen-strasburg-knows-plenty-about-the-legacy-of-mr-padre-tony-gwynn/|archive-date=August 22, 2016|url-status=live}}

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{{Succession box

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| years = April 2012

| after = Gio González

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{{World Series MVPs}}

{{Babe Ruth Award}}

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Category:1988 births

Category:Living people

Category:All-American college baseball players

Category:Baseball players at the 2008 Summer Olympics

Category:Baseball players from San Diego

Category:Fredericksburg Nationals players

Category:Hagerstown Suns players

Category:Harrisburg Senators players

Category:Major League Baseball pitchers

Category:Medalists at the 2008 Summer Olympics

Category:National League All-Stars

Category:National League strikeout champions

Category:National League (baseball) wins champions

Category:Olympic bronze medalists for the United States in baseball

Category:People from Santee, California

Category:Phoenix Desert Dogs players

Category:Potomac Nationals players

Category:Rochester Red Wings players

Category:San Diego State Aztecs baseball players

Category:Silver Slugger Award winners

Category:Syracuse Chiefs players

Category:Washington Nationals players

Category:21st-century American sportsmen

Category:World Series Most Valuable Player Award winners