Nationals' Strasburg nearing return after 11-strikeout rehab start

Washington Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg could be poised to return to the starting rotation following an overpowering rehab outing Monday night.

Strasburg struck out 11 over 5 2/3 innings in his second rehab start for Triple-A Syracuse. He allowed two runs on five hits before reaching his designated pitch limit of 85.

"I felt good. My stuff is there," Strasburg told reporters in Washington on Tuesday. "Just try to keep doing the same things and working on the stuff I've been doing. It's going in the right direction."

Nationals manager Matt Williams said the team will determine Strasburg's next step after he throws a bullpen session on Wednesday. "When you have 11 strikeouts you’re doing something right," Williams said. 

Strasburg, who is 5-5 with a 5.16 ERA, has been sidelined since July 4 due to a strained left oblique. He also spent nearly a month on the 15-day disabled list due to a neck issue sustained at the end of May.

(h/t CSNWashington.com)