Balester optioned to make way for Strasburg
After Sunday’s 8-3 loss to the Dodgers, the Nationals optioned right-hander Collin Baletser to Triple-A Syracuse and will activate right-hander Stephen Strasburg from the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday.
Balester, who was not available for comment, appeared in six games and allowed four runs in 6 2/3 innings. Opponents hit .333 against him. With Balester gone, right-handers Miguel Batista and Craig Stammen are Washington’s long men out of the bullpen.
As for Strasburg, he will pitch against the Marlins on Tuesday. It will be his first start since July 21 against the Reds. He missed his last three starts because of shoulder stiffness. Strasburg, the ace of Washington’s pitching staff, is 5-2 with a 2.32 ERA in nine starts.
The Rocket
