Strasburg solid in rehab start for high Single-A Potomac

WOODBRIDGE, Va. - Right-hander Stephen Strasburg was solid and on target in his rehab start Monday night for high Single-A Potomac, paving his way to return to the Nationals.

"Felt good," Strasburg said of the outing. "No issues. Felt strong throughout."

He has been on the disabled list with a right elbow nerve impingement since July 24. His last start was July 23.

Strasburg went five innings, allowing one run on three hits with one walk and five strikeouts. He retired eight consecutive batters to end his outing. Strasburg threw 64 pitches in the game, then went out to the bullpen and threw 10-12 more pitches.

Strasburg talked about his game plan coming in to the rehab start: "Go through my pitches, try and hit my spots."

Salem connected on two singles by Jeremy Rivera and Jhon Nunez, plus a first-inning double from Conrad Gregor.

The Red Sox scored a run in the third inning thanks to a leadoff walk and a one-out single that set up a double steal. Catcher Taylor Gushue threw to second to attempt to get the runner out, but that allowed Nick Lovullo to race home from third and score the lone run against Strasburg.

But Strasburg was in mid-season form, forcing weak contact. The first two hitters grounded out to first base and back to him. The Red Sox mustered only two flyouts. Strasburg was confident even before Monday night he was ready to return: "I feel like I was ready to come back before this but they wanted to be conservative so hopefully this is enough."

If this rehab start was enough, and it certainly was impressive, Strasburg is in line to make his next start for the Nationals in his home town of San Diego against the Padres this weekend.