Nationals want to see Stephen Strasburg pitch 200 innings

The Nationals would like to see Stephen Strasburg pitch 200 innings next season following a year in which Washington’s ace was shut down at just under 160 and missed the postseason.

In an interview with USA TODAY Sports, Bob Boone, the Nationals’ vice president of player development, was asked to elaborate on manager Davey Johnson’s comment in December that he has “no restrictions” for next season.

“To say there’s no restrictions really means, ‘Hey, we’d like him to pitch 200 innings,’ ” Boone said. “But, you’re not gonna say no restrictions like you might have on Steve Carlton, who would throw 320 innings. You’re not gonna do that. There’s always restrictions, but the meaning is, ‘We’re not gonna shut him down after 160 innings.’ “

Boone said, however, that “no restrictions” doesn’t mean Strasburg has an unlimited pitch count during games.

Thanks to TG.