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World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg has decided to retire

Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg, who won a World Series MVP award in 2019, is planning to retire, according to a report from Jesse Dougherty and Barry Svrluga of the Washington Post. The former top prospect out of San Diego State University was the first overall pick in the 2009 MLB draft. He dealt with health setbacks almost immediately. After striking out 14 batters in his MLB debut, Strasburg’s rookie season in 2010 was derailed by an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery. The Associated Press has the story:

World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg has decided to retire

Newslooks- WASHINGTON (AP)

Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg has decided to retire, ending a career that began as a No. 1 draft pick, included 2019 World Series MVP honors and was derailed by injuries, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.

FILE – Washington Nationals pitchers Max Scherzer, left, and Stephen Strasburg hug after the Washington Nationals defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 4-3 in a National League wild-card baseball game at Nationals Park, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2019, in Washington. Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg has decided to announce his retirement, ending a career that began as a No. 1 draft pick, included 2019 World Series MVP honors and was derailed by injuries, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023, because Strasburg has not spoken publicly about his plans. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Thursday because Strasburg has not spoken publicly about his plans. The person told The AP that Strasburg is expected to hold a news conference before a game at Nationals Park next month.

The Washington Post first reported Strasburg’s decision to retire.

Strasburg, who turned 35 last month, had his career knocked off course by injuries after leading the Nationals to their first title in franchise history four years ago. He had surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome, a nerve and blood disorder that involved removing a rib and two neck muscles.

FILE – Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg throws to a Los Angeles Dodgers batter during the first inning in Game 5 of a baseball National League Division Series, in Los Angeles, Oct. 2, 2019. Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg has decided to announce his retirement, ending a career that began as a No. 1 draft pick, included 2019 World Series MVP honors and was derailed by injuries, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Thursday because Strasburg has not spoken publicly about his plans. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)

The right-hander has not pitched since June 9, 2022 — his only start that season, which lasted 4 2/3 innings before going back on the injured list. He has thrown only 528 pitches in the majors since signing a $245 million, seven-year contract in December 2019 and did not report to spring training earlier this year after experiencing a setback.

FILE – Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg acknowledges the fans as he comes off the field after a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Nationals Park, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2013, in Washington. Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg has decided to announce his retirement, ending a career that began as a No. 1 draft pick, included 2019 World Series MVP honors and was derailed by injuries, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023, because Strasburg has not spoken publicly about his plans.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

Strasburg, featuring a 100-plus mph fastball, was touted as a generational talent before becoming the first pick in the 2009 draft, and he became one of the faces of Washington’s franchise after making his anticipated debut in 2010. He struck out 14 batters and allowed two runs on four hits with no walks against the Pittsburgh Pirates to win a memorable game that became known as “Strasmas.”

FILE – In this Dec. 17, 2019, file photo, Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg smiles during a baseball media availability at Nationals Park in Washington, Dec. 17, 2019. Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg has decided to announce his retirement, ending a career that began as a No. 1 draft pick, included 2019 World Series MVP honors and was derailed by injuries, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023, because Strasburg has not spoken publicly about his plans.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

After Strasburg had Tommy John surgery early in his career, the Nationals took heat for shutting him down late in the 2012 season, despite him being 15-6 with a 3.16 ERA. Without their ace, they lost to the St. Louis Cardinals in the NL Division Series.

The long-term benefit of the shutdown didn’t emerge until October 2019, when Strasburg went 5-0 with a 1.98 ERA on Washington’s championship run and won each of his two starts against Houston in the World Series.

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