Stephen Strasburg

Washington Nationals starter Stephen Strasburg is set to make his second rehab start for Single-A Fredericksburg on Sunday.

Fantasy Impact

Strasburg pitched 2 2/3 innings in his first rehab start with Fredericksburg on Tuesday. He had trouble finding the strike zone early but had solid velocity on his fastball. The important news out of each of these rehab starts for the Nationals and fantasy managers is that he exits healthy.

Stephen Strasburg made his first rehab start at Single-A Fredericksburg, and left healthy.

Fantasy Impact

Strasburgh only lasted 2 2/3 innings and was a bit erratic, especially in the first inning when only seven of his 22 pitches went for strikes. Nevertheless, his fastball topped out at 94 mph, a great sign for Nationals and fantasy managers alike.

Stephen Strasburg (neck, shoulder) threw two innings Wednesday in a simulated game. Manager Dave Martinez said that he felt good afterwards, according to MASN reporter Mark Zuckerman.

Fantasy Impact

Strasburg's career has been derailed the last two years with neck and back issues. Even though Martinez did not provide a ton of details about the simulated game, he is expected to toss another toward the end of the week or early next week. The Nationals will then decide the next steps in his rehab.

Stephen Strasburg has yet to begin facing live hitters again, Nationals manager Dave Martinez said.

Fantasy Impact

The same goes for Joe Ross, according to Martinez. The original hope was that Strasburg could return to the Nationals rotation at some point in May, but that timeline is sounding more unlikely.

Stephen Strasburg says that his normal routine is to take six weeks of Spring Training and that he plans to do so again this year.

Fantasy Impact

In an interview, Strasburg stated, "My goal is to be ready when I'm ready and be there the rest of the way." If he does stay to that timetable, the earliest he would be available is the last week of April. While fantasy managers are already figuring in some risk with drafting the oft-injured ace, they now need to consider the delay in the start of the season when figuring value. Hopefully, his health will benefit from the timetable, but managers should still draft with caution.