WASHINGTON — The Washington Nationals are hopeful that Stephen Strasburg will make his next scheduled start despite exiting Sunday’s outing after two innings with pain in his forearm.
The right-hander met with team doctors but did not undergo an MRI, Washington Manager Dusty Baker said Tuesday. A team spokesman later told reporters that Strasburg was diagnosed with a nerve impingement that is no longer a problem, without providing further details.
“The doctor said he’s doing fine. Hoping he’ll progress enough to make the next start,” Baker said.
Following Sunday’s start at Arizona, Strasburg described the problem as slight “achiness” in his forearm and said the early exit was a precaution.
Strasburg (10-3 with a 3.25 ERA in 20 starts) is scheduled to start Friday at the Chicago Cubs.
TIGERS: A new program will allow baseball fans at Tigers games in Detroit to get into the ballpark by using fingerprints to verify their identity.
The biometrics scanning system from CLEAR is making its debut this week at Comerica Park. Visitors may enroll using a state-issued driver’s license.
Fans will still go through security and display their tickets. Ballpark officials say, however, those willing to have their fingers scanned for fingerprints will have access to shorter lines.
The ballpark can use the scanned information to track who is entering the park and at what times. In the future, game tickets could be linked to fingerprints. Several other sports venues around the U.S. already offer the fingerprint scanning system.
CARDINALS: Ace Adam Wainwright went on the disabled list with back tightness, and St. Louis put outfielder Dexter Fowler on the DL because of a strained left wrist.
Harrison Bader, the Cardinals third-round draft pick two years ago, was brought up from Triple-A and was set to make his major league debut against Colorado on Tuesday night, batting seventh and playing center field.
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