With Strasburg Injured, Eyes Turn to Potomac Nationals

This morning, the Washington Nationals announced that star pitcher Stephen Strasburg is expected to miss 12-18 months due to a torn ulnar collateral ligament requiring "Tommy John" surgery. With their star prospect and number one pitcher sidelined for at least a year, the Nationals will now have to look to both former and future Potomac Nationals players to carry the franchise.

Jordan Zimmermann, a former Potomac National, will now be the focus of attention for the remainder of the season. Zimmermann was drafted by the Nationals in 2007 and rose quickly through the minor leagues. He posted a 3-1 record and a 1.65 ERA with Potomac before moving up to Harrisburg in 2008.

Last year he made his debut in Major League Baseball and was pitching well until his season was derailed with the exact same injury as Strasburg, a torn UCL. However, last night marked Zimmermann's return to the majors after completing 10 rehab starts in the minor leagues, including four with the Potomac Nationals.

While Zimmermann's return to the MLB was not the best -- he gave up five runs in just four innings of work -- he did not feel any pain according to manager Jim Riggleman and looks to have fully recovered from "Tommy John" surgery. This means Potomac Nationals fans should expect to see Strasburg make a few rehab starts late next summer in Woodbridge if everything goes according to plan.

Another pitcher the organization will look to is who made his debut in Potomac less than a week ago. The highly touted Cuban pitcher started off strong with three scoreless innings before losing control in the fourth, possibly due to a blister on his throwing hand. He finished the game with six earned runs, seven hits, three walks and four strikeouts over four-plus innings of work. His next start will be with Class AAA Syracuse and he could be with the major league club soon after that.

Many other former Potomac players will need to step up in Strasburg's absence to bring excitement to the ballpark and keep fans interested in the team. These include outfielder Roger Bernadina, shortstop Ian Desmond, starting pitcher John Lannan and relief pitcher Drew Storen who was recently immortalized with his own Potomac Nationals bobblehead. Storen was drafted last summer along with Strasburg and quickly advanced through the minors. In seven appearances with Potomac, Storen posted a 1.80 ERA and recorded two saves.

Former Potomac Nationals are not the only players the organization will look to over the next year. Bryce Harper, this year's first overall league pick, was introduced to the media Thursday and is expected to make his debut in the Florida Instructional League soon.

The Nationals organization will be looking to get him groomed for the majors as soon as possible so Potomac fans will have to pay close attention if they hope to see him in Woodbridge. He would most likely debut with the Potomac Nationals early next season unless he impresses enough in spring training to start in Class AA much like Strasburg did this season.

Editor's Note: Sam Klemz is a guest contributor to Woodbridge Patch. Klemz, a regular attendee at Washington, D.C. sports games, is a video editor for local sports talk radio station 106.7 The Fan.