Stephen Strasburg's return date is set.
After manager Dusty Baker hinted that the right-hander could be in line for a midweek return, the bench boss confirmed Tuesday he'll be activated off the disabled list and start Wednesday against the Atlanta Braves.
It will mark Strasburg's first start since Aug. 17, when he was shellacked for nine runs by the Colorado Rockies and failed to make it out of the second inning. Five days later, the club placed him on the 15-day disabled list with soreness in his throwing elbow.
His last outing aside, Strasburg has been impressive all season for the Nationals. In 145 1/3 innings, the 28-year-old is pitching to a 3.58 ERA and 1.11 WHIP while striking out 179 batters.
