Stephen Strasburg sharp in Harrisburg rehab start

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Stephen Strasburg appears sharp and comfortable in his first minor league rehab start at Double-A Harrisburg. Strasburg retired the first seven batters he faced, featuring his blazing fastball topping out at 97 mph.

Strasburg used eight pitches (seven fastballs) to record two groundball outs and one weak fly ball to right in the first.

In the second, Strasburg coaxed a broken bat infield pop to start the inning before ending it with two strikeouts. Richmond first baseman Ricky Oropsea was the first victim as Strasburg pumped a 96 mph heater past him. A nasty breaking ball got left fielder Devin Harris to end the frame.

Richmond center fielder Jackson Williams came up with the first hit against Strasburg on a groundball to left with one out in the third. Two batters later, second baseman Kelby Tomlinson drilled a ball to right-center. Senators center fielder Derrick Robinson got a glove on it, but couldn't bring it in, and Tomlinson reached with an RBI triple.

A throwing error on Senators third baseman Matt Skole led to an unearned run against Strasburg in the fourth.

Strasburg has allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits with six strikeouts through five innings. Forty-eight of his 71 pitches have been strikes as his command and control appear strong.

Highly-touted prospect Trea Turner collected his first hit as a member of the Nationals organization with a line drive single to right in the first. The speedy Turner then swiped second for his first stolen base.

Update: Strasburg's day is over after the five innings.

Turner is 1-for-3 on the afternoon after flying out and grounding out in his next two at-bats.