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Nationals' Strasburg to make season debut Sunday

Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Washington Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg will make his 2020 debut on Sunday against the Baltimore Orioles, manager Dave Martinez announced Friday, according to The Canadian Press.

The World Series MVP has been sidelined with nerve discomfort in his pitching hand.

"The tingling in his thumb is gone, and that's a good sign. We watched him and he's throwing some really good bullpens. That was the big thing for me. Nothing in his mechanics has changed. Everything's good," Martinez said.

"So based on a conversation with him, he feels good," the skipper added. "He wants to pitch. He's ready to pitch on Sunday."

Strasburg signed a seven-year, $245-million deal with the Nationals in December after authoring one of the best seasons of his career.

The 32-year-old finished 2019 with an 18-6 record, 3.32 ERA, and 251 strikeouts in 209 innings.

He was also 5-0 in the postseason, striking out 47 in 36 1/3 innings.

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