Nats need Stephen Strasburg, player tells FOX's Ken Rosenthal

An anonymous member of the Washington Nationals told Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal that he believes the team would be dominating the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Division Series if pitcher Stephen Strasburg was available.

Strasburg was shut down by the Nationals organization on Sept. 8 as a precautionary measure. The 24-year-old pitcher underwent Tommy John surgery in the summer of 2010 and the Nationals were concerned that pushing him too hard this season could have adverse effects on his future.

The situation became divisive as some believe the team is primed for a deep run this postseason. Most notably, the anonymous player who spoke to Rosenthal, via FoxSports.com:

"If we had ‘Stras, we'd be up 2-0. He would have lengthened out our rotation to the point where teams can't stay with us."

After being shutdown, Strasburg voiced his own displeasure with the situation. However, he has since come to terms with it and wants to support his teammates during the playoffs, via the WashingtonPost.com:

"I'm still pretty upset. I'm kind of past that. It's done with. There's nothing you can do. I could sit here and be upset and not be a good teammate, but I don't want to be that type of guy. I want to pull for these guys and make sure that everybody knows that I'm with them, even though I'm not out there playing."

Strasburg is currently improving his arm strength through an offseason throwing program. Game 3 of the NLDS is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET Wednesday with the series currently tied at one game apiece.