Nationals send Strasburg to Double-A
Viera, FL (Sports Network) - The Washington Nationals have elected to send Stephen Strasburg to the minors, optioning the pitching prospect to Double-A Harrisburg.
Strasburg, the top overall pick in the 2009 draft, has pitched well this spring. In nine innings, he has allowed two runs and eight hits, walked one and struck out 12.
He last pitched Friday, when the 21-year-old fanned eight and gave up two solo homers in four frames against the Cardinals. But while Strasburg, whose fastball has been clocked above 100 miles per hour, has continued to show raw ability, the organization sent him to the minors to work on other pitching skills such as pitch selection and holding base runners.
Additionally, the Nationals optioned pitcher Matt Chico to Triple-A Syracuse. They also sent pitcher Drew Storen -- the 10th overall pick in 2009 -- pitcher Doug Slaten and catcher Jamie Burke to minor-league camp.
