Strasburg lifted vs. D-Backs due to 'stiffness' in arm

Washington Nationals starter Stephen Strasburg was pulled after just two innings Sunday against the Arizona Diamondbacks due to the right-hander suffering from "stiffness" in his arm, manager Dusty Baker said postgame, according to MASN's Mark Zuckerman.

"He couldn't get loose, kept shaking his arm," Baker said, according to Zuckerman.

Baker, who described the hook as precautionary, added Strasburg will see a team doctor when the club returns to Washington, though he doesn't anticipate the ailment being anything serious.

Strasburg echoed his manager's precautionary description, though he said he felt the "achiness" in his last start as well, Zuckerman notes.

After pitching two scoreless innings, Strasburg was replaced to begin the third by reliever Matt Grace. Strasburg had allowed just one hit and struck out two, though he also issued three walks. Following the contest, the 29-year-old now owns a 3.25 ERA and 1.12 WHIP on the season.

The Nationals starter wasn't the only ace to succumb to an injury during a start Sunday. Los Angeles Dodgers hurler Clayton Kershaw lasted just one inning against the Atlanta Braves due to right lower back tightness and is expected to land on the disabled list.