Nationals manager Matt Williams named right-hander Stephen Strasburg his Game 1 starter for Friday's National League Division Series opener against the San Francisco Giants. Strasburg was proud to get the call because he knew the Nats have several outstanding starters to chose from for such an crucial game.
"I was excited. I think it wasn't an easy decision by any means," Strasburg said. "I think that's a testament to the guys we have in the rotation. I think every single one of them is extremely talented and it's going to take all 25 guys to get this job done."
Strasburg was denied a shot at pitching in the postseason in 2012 as he reached the club's appointed innings limit fresh off recovery from Tommy John surgery. Strasburg said he tries "not to look back on what it was like two years ago" and is just pumped to get the start now, especially because it is every kid's dream to pitch in the playoffs.
"I think, growing up, I just wanted to see how far I could take the ability God has given me, and I just told myself I wanted to work extremely hard every day, just go out there and compete and enjoy the ride, enjoy the ups and downs," he said. 'There's not too many guys in this game that can say that they've pitched in the postseason and have pitched in the playoffs, so I'm just thankful for the chance."
Strasburg has made big strides this season on the mental side of his game. Under the direction of pitching coach Steve McCatty, Strasburg has prevented rough outings from extending into his next start by maintaining confidence in what he does well on the mound. The results have shown the big step he has made. In September, he finished 3-1 with a 1.13 ERA in five starts, allowing four earned runs.
"I think there's going to be highs and lows throughout the course of the year, and I've kind of come to accept that," Strasburg said. "I think one thing I can control is going out there and committing to every pitch that I throw. We've got a great group of guys playing behind me, and I think if I just go out there and do my job, let them go out there and win the game."
Strasburg also has reached out to other pitchers who have started in postseason games to see what their mindsets have been, what works for them in the critical situations he will face Friday.
"You know, just talking to guys who have been in this position before, obviously this is brand new for me," Strasburg said. "They all say it's just still the same game. You've still got to go out there and focus on the things that you can control, and that's making sure that before you throw each pitch, that you're locked in and you know what you want to do with it. This game is funny, so you've just really go to keep your composure and you got to keep battling."
On Aug. 24 at Nationals Park, Strasburg went four innings and allowed eight hits against the Giants, giving up five earned runs. Gregor Blanco and Travis Ishikawa cranked home runs off him in that game. Down 5-0 when he departed, the Nationals rallied for a 14-6 win.
After that start against San Francisco, Strasburg finished the season strong. He said there was not anything from that moment that he changed to do so well in the final month-plus.
"I wouldn't say there was anything in particular," Strasburg said. "I think if I go out there and just compete, I'm going to be OK. I can sleep well at night. I can't really worry about whether I'm missing a spot or one side. It's nice to recognize that, but I can't really go out there and beat a dead horse with it. I have to pitch to my strengths and make them adjust to my game."
Strasburg is 3-0 with a 3.10 ERA in five career starts (29 innings) against the Giants, allowing 24 hits and 10 walks with 33 strikeouts. Besides those two homers on Aug 24, he has allowed only one other home run against San Francisco.
Even though its only been two years since he got tantalizingly close to pitching in the postseason, you can sense Strasburg has made big strides in his game and how feels about himself on the mound, both mentally and physically. That experience will become invaluable Friday afternoon.