World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg will retire because of a rare condition

The Washington Post’s Jesse Dougherty and Barry Svrluga reported that Stephen Strasburg, the pitcher for the Washington Nationals and the 2019 World Series MVP, intends to retire.

In the 2009 MLB Draft, the former top prospect out of San Diego State was selected first overall. When his health suffered, he recovered quickly. In 2010, Strasburg’s rookie season was disrupted by an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery after he struck out 14 times in his MLB debut.

In December 2019, he agreed to a seven-year, $245 million contract, which at the time set a pitcher-specific record. He has only pitched 31 1/3 innings total since then. On June 9, 2022, he made his only throwing appearance of the previous year.

To address the tingling and numbness in his hand, Strasburg had season-ending carpal tunnel surgery in the summer of 2020. He was later diagnosed with a rare condition, which might have been causing those symptoms.

In 2021, Strasburg had thoracic outlet syndrome surgery. When pressures in the area between the first rib and the collarbone (clavicle) rise to the point of impinging on blood vessels or nerves, the disease becomes apparent. After the treatment, which included the removal of a rib and two neck muscles, Strasburg allegedly struggled to regain his form.

Strasburg reportedly tried several times to go back to the bullpen. He apparently worked out close to his house in northern Virginia up until this year’s spring training, which he skipped. According to reports, he has been prohibited from exercising since the end of April.

The 35-year-old had a career record of 113-62 and was nominated for three All-Star games. He made 247 starts during the regular season with Washington, compiling a 3.24 ERA and 1,723 strikeouts. He made two starts in the World Series against the Houston Astros and won both of them, surrendering just four runs and striking out 14. His 2019 was a magnificent season. After the Nationals won the World Series, he was awarded the MVP.

According to the source, a press conference is tentatively planned for Sept. 9 at Nationals Park, before the Nationals play the Los Angeles Dodgers that day.