Stephen Strasburg exits start with an apparent injury

Stephen Strasburg

Nationals fans were left holding their breath, again, when ace pitcher Stephen Strasburg left Friday's game against the Reds during the second inning after a conversation on the mound with trainers and manager Matt Williams.

Strasburg, who has dealt with a gimpy ankle and a tight back the past month, allowed a homer in the first inning to Reds first baseman Joey Votto, but after walking Brayan Pena to start the second, Strasburg appeared to feel discomfort and called the trainers to the mound after 16 pitches.

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The former No.1 overall pick has not lived up to his potential this season with a 6.55 ERA, a 1.72 WHIP and a 45:14 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 45 1/3 innings.

The specifics of the injury weren't immediately available. 

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