Stephen Strasburg shutdown begins now, manager Davey Johnson says
The Stephen Strasburg Shutdown will begin one start early. He won't make another appearance, he's done for the season, Washington Nationals manager Davey Johnson announced Saturday morning. (And for the last time, no playoffs!) Here's his final stat line: 15-6 record, 159 1/3 innings, 136 hits, 48 walks, 197 strikeouts.
Reporter Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post has the "Why?" and writes:
"The media hype on this thing has been unbelievable," Johnson said. "I feel it's as hard for him as it would be anybody to get mentally, totally committed in the ballgame. And he's reached his innings limit. So we can get past this and talk about other things for a change."
Johnson said Strasburg was "emotional" about the decision.
"I know he's been struggling with it for weeks," Johnson said. "I know he doesn't sleep good thinking about it. Shoot, I've heard so much advice from every ex-pitcher, every guru on the matter."
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/stephen-strasburg-shutdown-begins-now-says-davey-johnson-165322108--mlb.html