News & Politics

While Waiting for Manager News, 3 Nationals Stars Have Surgery

Stephen Strasburg, Bryce Harper, and Adam LaRoche went under the knife last week.

Stephen Strasburg underwent arthroscopic surgery in California. Photograph by Carol Ross Joynt.

The Nationals are reportedly making a deal with Arizona Diamondbacks third-base coach Matt Williams to manage the team next year. Sprucing up for the new skipper are three of their biggest stars. “Feel better soon” cards go to the following:

• Pitcher Stephen Strasburg had arthroscopic surgery in Los Angeles, California, to remove bone chips from his right elbow. He had complained of forearm tightness during the season.

• Slugger Bryce Harper, who spent much of June on the disabled list after klunking into a wall at Dodgers Stadium, had knee surgery in Vail, Colorado, to repair the bursa sac.

• First baseman Adam LaRoche, who complained of a left bicep strain at the end of the season, had left elbow surgery here in Washington.

According to various reports, all three will recuperate for four to six weeks and all are expected to be ready to go when spring training begins in February.

Harper tweeted about the surgery on Saturday, saying, “Be back strong as ever!”