Key questions for MLB's second half - 棒球

http://www.torontosun.com/2012/07/10/key-questions-for-mlbs-second-half

節錄

WILL THE NATIONALS STAY ON TOP WHEN STEPHEN STRASBURG IS SHUT DOWN?

The NL East-leading Washington Nationals said prior to the season that
Strasburg, their ace, would be limited to roughly 160 innings this season
because he is returning from Tommy John surgery. The Nationals took the same
approach last season with talented young Jordan Zimmermann, who was shut down
in September. The difference, though, was that the 2011 Nationals were on
their way to finishing 21 1/2 games out of first.

The Nationals figure to be in or around first place when Strasburg hits 160
innings -- something that should happen no later than the first week of
September. If he is replaced in the rotation by John Lannan or Chien-Ming
Wang for his last five starts, the drop-off would be significant -- maybe
even enough to cost Washington the division title. And that doesn't even
address how much it would weaken the Nationals should they get to the
postseason.

Will the Nationals change their mind and let the prized right-hander pitch in
September? That's doubtful, given how adamant they've been about shutting him
down. It will be interesting to see if the Nationals rent a quality pitcher
at the trade deadline to more adequately replace their ace.

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