Strasburg plays catch, with next start up in air
Span undergoes season-ending surgery; Barrett opts for Tommy John procedure
ST. LOUIS -- Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg (back tightness) played catch at Busch Stadium on Tuesday afternoon without feeling any pain. But that does not necessarily mean he will make his next start, which is scheduled for Friday against the Braves at Nationals Park.
The Nationals want to see how Strasburg feels on Wednesday. If he is feeling fine, Strasburg will then throw a bullpen session.
If Strasburg is not well enough to start, right-hander Tanner Roark will take his place Friday. Roark pitched two innings for Double-A Harrisburg on Monday before he was taken out of the game in preparation for his potential start with the Nationals.
"We abbreviated [Roark's] start yesterday to give him three days' rest in line for Friday, if need be," manager Matt Williams said.
Worth noting
• Center fielder Denard Span had surgery in New York to repair a labrum tear in his left hip. It will take four to six months for Span to recover from the surgery.
• With his elbow not responding to treatments, right-hander Aaron Barrett has decided to undergo Tommy John surgery. He plans to talk to Dr. James Andrews about the procedure and when it will take place.
• By bringing catcher Pedro Severino to the big leagues from Harrisburg, the Nationals placed right-hander David Carpenter on the 60-day disabled list. Carpenter is out for the season because of a sore right shoulder. He hasn't played in a Major League game since July 5.