All systems normal for Strasburg in return from wrist surgery

The two times Stephen Strasburg took the mound in 2020, Davey Martinez couldn't help but watch nervously, knowing his co-ace was dealing with some kind of ailment in his right hand. And as he watched Strasburg the first few times he threw off a mound this spring in West Palm Beach, Fla., the fourth-year manager again had to at least think about his pitcher's surgically repaired wrist and hope there weren't any lingering issues.

But by the time Strasburg strode to the mound inside The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches tonight for his first game appearance in seven months, Martinez no longer felt any need to worry. The veteran right-hander had already done everything he needed to do to prove he was healthy. Now, at last, it was time to just pitch.

"Honestly, after watching him, I'm looking at him as this is just a normal spring training for him," Martinez said today during his pregame Zoom session with reporters. "He's throwing the ball really well, and he looks really good. We're going to keep a close eye on him for sure, just like I do with anybody else. But for me, he looks as normal as normal can be."

What does "as normal as normal can be" look like in Strasburg's case? How about four strikeouts in 1 2/3 innings of work against an Astros lineup featuring several big-name bats? How about fastball velocity in the low to mid-90s? How about zero hits surrendered to six batters faced on a Tuesday evening in West Palm Beach?

And, most importantly, no physical issues.

"I mean, it didn't really feel any different than it has in past springs," Strasburg said some time after departing what wound up a 4-4 exhibition tie. "So I guess in a way that's a relief."

Which isn't to say Strasburg was completely in midseason form quite yet. He spiked several changeups, typically his best two-strike pitch. And he battled through a bunch of long at-bats that pushed his pitch count to 38 despite the fact he only faced six batters.

But these are common nits to pick in a spring training debut. There's plenty of time left to fine tune those kinds of things before Strasburg faces the Mets for real during the first weekend of April.

Tonight's outing was about pitching healthy and getting a taste of competition for the first time since Aug. 14, 2020, when Strasburg made the second of his two uncomfortable starts and departed only three batters in because of numbness in his right hand.

Once the carpal tunnel neuritis was diagnosed and surgery was scheduled, there wasn't much for him to fret about. The 15-minute procedure produced positive results immediately, and Strasburg hasn't dealt with any recurring issues since.

"That's kind of, I guess, the blessing in disguise with this injury," he said. "You kind of get instant relief. When you can feel the ball in your hand, it kind of comes back very quickly. Whereas, my experience with Tommy John, it was a much longer process and you kind of had to learn how to throw all over again."

Strasburg is no stranger to pitching injuries, and this isn't the first time he's come to spring training needing to prove he's healthy again. But this isn't rehab from elbow surgery, so the comparisons aren't necessarily apt.

The 32-year-old also knows the routine inside and out at this stage of his career. This is, believe it or not, his 12th spring training with the Nationals. He knows what he needs to accomplish in mid-February. He knows what he needs to accomplish in early March. And he knows what he needs to accomplish in his final tune-up before opening day at the end of the month.

Strasburg even knows not to obsess too much over a lack of feel for his changeup this time of year. Why does that pitch, usually his go-to wipeout selection come the regular season and postseason, not always feel right in spring training?

"Honestly, it might be Florida," he said. "I feel like it's hard to get a good feel for it when you're working out in the field and the wind's blowing, it seems like, 100 mph in one direction. Like today, I was throwing into a straight crosswind and it's like, yeah it makes my changeup really nasty, but at the same time I don't really feel confident about knowing where it's going."

Strasburg, of course, was subsequently asked what the best state in the union is for throwing changeups.

"Um, I mean, D.C.'s not a state, but it's a pretty good place," he responded with a laugh.

If that wasn't the best indication that everything's back to normal for Strasburg, what is?