Strasburg becomes fastest MLB pitcher to reach 1,500 strikeouts
Stephen Strasburg became the fastest starting pitcher in MLB history to record 1,500 strikeouts after catching St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Dakota Hudson looking on Thursday.
Congrats to @stras37 on his 1,500th career strikeout!
— Nationals on MASN (@masnNationals) May 3, 2019
Strasburg became the fastest pitcher to reach the milestone in terms of innings pitched (1,272.1 IP). pic.twitter.com/ap7irKCL6e
The 30-year-old joined some elite company with the strikeout.
Fewest IP to reach 1,500 K in @MLB history:
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) May 2, 2019
1. Stephen Strasburg (1,272.1 IP)
2. Chris Sale (1,290 IP)
3. Kerry Wood (1,303 IP)
4. Pedro Martinez (1,337 IP)
5. Randy Johnson (1,356.2 IP) pic.twitter.com/k7Hec9omwe
The 2009 first overall pick went 6 2/3 innings against the Cardinals with nine strikeouts and allowed just one earned run. He's struck out 29 with just three earned runs in his last three starts.
Strasburg entered Thursday's game with a career 10.6 K/9 rate. The three-time All-Star has started 212 games for the Washington Nationals over 10 seasons and owns a 3.16 ERA.