Strasburg scratched again after back flare-up

The Washington Nationals were dealt yet another blow just moments after suffering their seventh straight loss on Saturday, as Stephen Strasburg was scratched from his second straight start because of renewed discomfort in his recovery from an upper-back strain.

Nationals right-hander Taylor Roark will instead start Sunday's series finale against the Brewers. Manager Dusty Baker said Strasburg remains day to day.

Strasburg previously told reporters he suffered the injury during a weight-room mishap where the hard-throwing right-hander said he popped two ribs out of place. He was scratched from Monday's showdown against the Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw, but was apparently feeling fine after throwing a bullpen session without issue Friday.

It's unclear when Strasburg's latest setback occurred, though the timing couldn't be worse for the Nationals.

Saturday's 6-5 loss to the Brewers extended the Nationals' season-high losing streak to seven, and shrunk their lead in the NL East to just 2 1/2 games. The injury also comes at an unfortunate time for Strasburg.

Through 14 starts this year, Strasburg owns a 2.90 ERA with a 1.07 WHIP, posting a 31.9 percent strikeout rate while holding opponents to a .220 average. He's also the first pitcher in franchise history to start a season 10-0.