Stephen Strasburg participated in the Nationals' pitchers workout at spring training today, a mild surprise given that he only first started throwing a baseball on Jan. 31. He threw for about 15 minutes, from as short as 20 feet and as far as 45 feet, and then did so again a little later while throwing a bit harder. MASN has video of the exchange on its Facebook page.
Overall, he looked fairly good for someone who had Tommy John surgery just five and a half months ago. In an interview afterwards, Strasburg admitted that it is his goal to return to the majors this season. Via Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post:
"It's obviously a goal," Strasburg said. "But it's out of my control. All I can do is, like I said, is really just go out there and do the throwing program. Execute the schedule. If they feel like I'm ready to go out there by the end of year and pitch, that's going to be great. It's going to be a decision they're going to have to make."
The Nationals' recovery timeline of 12-18 months would mean that Strasburg could pitch in September only if he is right at the beginning of the schedule. It's more likely Nationals fans will have to wait until next season.