Stephen Strasburg Stats

Owning a distinction as one of the most hyped rookie pitchers in MLB history is not fully reflected in Stephen Strasburg's stats at the major league level. The former San Diego State star posted a 5-3 record and .291 earned run average in 12 starts with the Washington Nationals before an elbow injury required season-ending Tommy John surgery. The potential for greatness is there, though, if Strasburg can make a complete comeback this season. That much is evident based on what he accomplished with the Aztecs and what he showed with the Nationals in a short period of time:

1. 92 strikeouts: In just 12 games with Washington, Strasburg manged to strike out 92 batters he faced. On June 8, 2010, when Strasburg made his major league debut against the Pittsburgh Pirates, he set a team record with 14 strikeouts against just two earned runs in seven innings of plays. He struck out every batter in the Pirates' batting order at least once. Strasburg set an MLB record when he recorded 18 more strikeouts in his next two games to tally 32 in his first three games as a major league pitcher.
2. 329 strikeouts: As a sophomore and junior, Strasburg recorded 329 strikeouts on the mound. He had 134 strikeouts in 98 innings during his sophomore season. Strasburg's numbers improved to 195 strikeouts in 109 innings as a junior. He struck out a Mountain West Conference record 23 batters in a game against Utah in 2008.
3. 21-4: Strasburg posted 21 wins as a starter over his final two seasons pitching at San Diego State. He won 11 straight games during his junior season and suffered his only defeat on the mound when the Aztecs faced Virgina in the NCAA Regionals. Even in that loss, Strasburg still struck out 15 batters in seven innings.
4. 15.1 Million: Strasburg was payed an incredible sum of $15.1 in a four-year deal. It represented a record-breaking MLB contract for a rookie pitcher and for any rookie period, topping a five-year $10.5 million deal Mark Prior signed with Chicago Cubs in 2001 after being drafted by that team.
5. 1.30 ERA: Strasburg finished his short stay in the minor leagues in 2010 with a 7-2 record and a 1.30 earned run average. He accumulated 65 strikeouts and walked just 13 batters in 55 1/3 innings on the mound. His minor league career included brief stints with the Double-A Harrisburg Senators and the Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs.