The Washington Nationals will be without the reigning World Series MVP for the rest of the way as they look to defend their title in 2020.
Starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg was placed on the 60-day injured list and will undergo surgery next week, manager Dave Martinez told reporters on Saturday, effectively ending the 32-year-old right-hander's season.
The decision comes one day after Martinez confirmed the pitcher had been diagnosed with carpal tunnel neuritis in his throwing hand and the team was considering surgery.
Considering the team is nearly halfway through MLB's shortened 60-game season, the long-term goal is for Strasburg to return healthy for next spring training, Martinez said.