Washington Nationals’ Stephen Strasburg Placed on DL with Lat Strain

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Washington Nationals have placed Stephen Strasburg on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained muscle in his back.

The Nationals made the move Wednesday after Strasburg skipped a scheduled bullpen session. The session was supposed to determine whether he could make a start on Saturday.

Strasburg was removed after two innings when he showed obvious discomfort during Friday's game against the Atlanta Braves.

The Nationals said the next day that Strasburg had a "slight strain" to the lat. The team was hoping he would not miss a start, although he was moved back two days in the rotation to give him time to heal.

Manager Davey Johnson said a pitcher will be promoted from Triple-A Syracuse to start on Saturday.

Strasburg is 3-5 with a 2.54 ERA.