Nationals GM Mike Rizzo defends Stephen Strasburg's initial decision to decline start
Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo got defensive when radio hosts pressed him on why ace Stephen Strasburg initially declined to start Game 4 of the NLDS against the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday.
Apparently, however, Strasburg is feeling better, as he will start Game 4.
Before the announcement of Strasburg as the Game 4 starter, Rizzo said on 106.7 The Fan's Sports Junkies that those who questioned why Tanner Roark would pitch for a Nats team one loss from elimination "have no credibility" because they didn't know "what Stras was like, what he looked like, what he feels like, what his work was like and how he prepared for this."
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Paste BN Sports was the first to report Tuesday that Strasburg was wheezing after a short run and wasn't prepared to start on his usual rest between games, adding to his reputation as a pitcher who requires optimal conditions to perform.
"If you think for one second that Stephen Strasburg, as he is, gives us a better chance to win Game 4 than Tanner Roark, I wouldn't pick Stephen Strasburg. Why? Because I don't want to win this game? Wake up, fellas," Rizzo said.
Strasburg was in the dugout for Monday's Game 3, and was at Wrigley Field and played catch before the scheduled start of Game 4 on Tuesday.
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