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Nationals put Stephen Strasburg on the DL

Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (37) walks off the field after allowing seven earned runs in the first inning against the Rockies on Aug. 17.
Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (37) walks off the field after allowing seven earned runs in the first inning against the Rockies on Aug. 17.
(Justin Edmonds / Getty Images)
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Stephen Strasburg’s weary elbow was stiff and in dire need of rest, so the Washington Nationals put their winningest pitcher on the 15-day disabled list Monday.

The right-hander (15-4, 3.59 earned-run average) was willing to pitch through the pain for the NL East-leading Nationals, but Manager Dusty Baker had other plans.

Asked if he considered it to be a precautionary move, Strasburg replied, “One hundred percent.”

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After bolting to a 15-1 start, Strasburg was 0-3 with a 14.66 ERA over his last three outings.

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