Williams on Strasburg's injury, how it could affect Scherzer for All-Star Game

Nationals manager Matt Williams addressed the media before tonight's game for the first time since the team announced that right-hander Stephen Strasburg was headed to the 15-day disabled list.

"He had an MRI today that shows he's got a strain in his (left) oblique," Williams said. "It's something we've got to do for his health and well-being and make sure that we get him well as quickly as possible."

Williams indicated that there was no chance for Strasburg to be able to make his next start.

"There's a difference him not being able to do things when he's out on the field because something's bothering him and this," Williams said. "This is something that he just can't pitch with."

A strained trapezius muscle sent Strasburg to the DL on May 30. But the 26-year-old emerged looking confident and comfortable, pitching five scoreless innings in a win over the Braves on June 23. He followed that up by limiting the Phillies to just two runs on four hits with a season-high nine strikeouts in another victory on June 28.

Yesterday, Strasburg again appeared strong, allowing one hit with three more strikeouts before the tightness in his left side ended his start after just 3 2/3 innings.

"He felt great," Williams said. "It's unfortunate because he felt good and was pitching great. It is what it is, and he's disappointed about it and so are we, but it's part of the game. We have to get him back healthy and going as quickly as we can making sure that he's 100 percent fully ready to go when he does come back."

With Strasburg out, it could affect Max Scherzer's chances of starting the All-Star game for the National League on July 14 in Cincinnati. Scherzer is currently scheduled to pitch the second game of the Reds series this upcoming Tuesday. Before Strasburg was injured, Scherzer wasn't scheduled to make a start for the Nationals again until after the All-Star break.

But with the off-day coming this Thursday, it's possible that Williams could move up all the starters, having them pitch on normal rest.

"As we get closer, we'll determine but he could potentially start on Sunday as well," Williams said about Scherzer.