The Washington Nationals are going to let pitcher Stephen Strasburg finish his tour de force of the Nationals affiliates and possibly his rehab starts before heading back to the big team in Washington on Thursday. Strasburg is scheduled to pitch for the Double-A Harrisburg Senators Thursday, Sept. 1st at 7:00 P.M. against the Portland Sea Dogs (Boston Red Sox affiliate) in Harrisburg.
Bad weather, natural disaster or acts of God aside, this might be Strasburg's last rehab start before returning to the Majors. Strasburg has had five previous rehab starts around the Nationals affiliates as he recovers and gains strength after undergoing Tommy John surgery. The phenom is scheduled to throw six innings or 75 to 80 pitches, whichever comes first. If indeed Harrisburg is the last stop in his rehabilitation, his schedule and the Nationals home schedule seem to line up nicely around September 6th for a possible return to Nationals Park.
An added bonus to the night will be catcher Ivan Rodriguez is also rehabbing in Harrisburg and the possibility of the old, veteran catcher catching the new fire thrower is high. Top offensive prospect Bryce Harper is also playing for Harrisburg currently, but is on the 7-Day DL with a hamstring injury.
Fans in attendance will also get to enjoy a bevy of promotions including Thirsty Thursday, Penn State Night and a performance by Cowboy Monkey.