Nats place Strasburg on DL, recall Cole to start tonight

By Josh Land

Nationals

August 22, 2016, 9:48am

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The month of August hasn't been kind to Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg. A 1-3 record and an ERA north of 10 has put a bit of a damper on an otherwise tremendous 2016 season for the right-hander. Now, unfortunately, the 28-year-old must battle another setback.

The Nationals announced Monday they have placed Strasburg on the 15-day disabled list with right elbow soreness, retroactive to August 21. Strasburg, who was in line to start tonight's opener against the Orioles in the annual Battle of the Beltways, lands on the DL for the second time this season. He missed 17 games from June 16-July 3 with an upper back strain and now will look to mend an elbow the Nationals will sorely need as the postseason inches closer.

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With Strasburg headed to the DL, the Nats have also recalled pitcher A.J. Cole from Triple-A Syracuse, who will start tonight's series opener in Baltimore. Cole made three appearances with the Nationals a year ago, including one start against the Braves in early April. In that game, Cole gave up nine runs in two innings, though only four of those were earned runs. Oddly enough, the Nationals won that game, leaving Cole with a no decision.

This will be Cole's first appearance with the Nats this season. He has made 22 starts for Syracuse this year, amassing an 8-8 record with a 4.26 ERA. Cole has never faced any current Orioles, who send Dylan Bundy to the mound.