Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo meets the press to discuss the results of Stephen Strasburg's MRI prior to Monday night's game against the Chicago Cubs (Photo: TBD Staff)

Nationals rookie pitcher Stephen Strasburg will make his second trip the the disabled list this season and undergo a second MRI after leaving his start against Philadelphia Saturday with an strained flexor tendon in his right forearm.

Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo confirmed that Strasburg would return to the disabled list prior to tonight's game against the Chicago Cubs at Nationals Park.

In addition, Rizzo revealed that Strasburg would undergo a second MRI "within the next 72 hours," with results being available a further 24 hours after that. Strasburg underwent a so-called "dry" MRI Sunday in Washington, but "the swelling in the tendon made it difficult to see [the extent of the injury]," according to Rizzo. Strasburg's second MRI will be an arthrogram, with contrasting dye injected into the injured area to create a clearer image of the area.

Rizzo left open the possibility that Strasburg would return to pitch this season and also said that there were no plans for Strasburg to see an outside specialst, like renowed surgeon Dr. James Andrews of Birmingham, Alabama.

Strasburg exited his start in the fifth inning Saturday after throwing a changeup to Domonic Brown of the Phillies. Strasburg grimaced and shook his hand immediately after throwing the pitch, and was removed from the game after consulting with manager Jim Riggleman and pitching coach Steve McCatty. Immediately following the game, Strasburg was subjected to a battery of strength and range-of-motion tests overseen by a Phillies doctor, which he reportedly passed easily.

"After the tests in Philadelphia, the doctor looked at me and said, 'He'll be ready to pitch again in five days,'" Riggleman said. "Obviously the MRI was less conclusive."

Over the weekend, Riggleman said it was"probably safe to say" that Strasburg would miss his next scheduled start, which had been set for Thursday against the St. Louis Cardinals. Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post reported that Jordan Zimmerman will start in Strasburg's place on Thursday night.

The Nationals are expected to make a corresponding roster move tomorrow. They have not yet decided on a retroactive date for Strasburg's DL appearance. Strasburg previously went on the disabled list July 29 (retroactive to July 22), after feeling shoulder tightness in the bullpen prior to his scheduled start against the Atlanta Braves July 26. He was reinstated to the active roster August 10.

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Last Friday, I wrote that the Wizards were holding auditions to find a new public address announcer for the 2010-11 season. I tried to contact the man who formerly held the position, Kevin Heilbronner, for some information on the position, to no avail.

This afternoon, Heilbronner called me back, having just returned from vacation in Africa.

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As Washington waits with bated breath for the result of Stephen Strasburg's MRI (expected to be revealed later this afternoon) and as my colleague Mike Jones continues to track the latest Redskins drama, some congratulations are in order.

Yesterday the Washington Mystics defeated the Atlanta Dream 90-81 to capture the WNBA's Eastern Conference regular-season championship and set up a best-of-three rematch with the Dream beginning Wednesday night at the Verizon Center. It's a phenomenal acheievment for head coach Julie Plank and her team, as Mystics recorded only the third winning season in their history, as well as their best-ever record.

So, all the best to the Mystics in the playoffs. Here's hoping they channel the spirit of these guys, and not these guys.

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Andy Najar (black jersey), seen here putting pressure on the FC Dallas net August 14, has been a standout performer for DC United this season (Photo: Associated Press)

The present has not been kind to DC United. Their just-concluded 2-0 victory over the Philadelphia Union was only their third victory of the MLS season and their first since June 10. However, as an ever-present banner at RFK Stadium says, the future is bright in D.C. One of the main reasons for that is a 5-7, 150-pound 17-year-old from Edison High School in Alexandria. His name is Andy Najar.

"I love the kid," said DC United interim coach Ben Olsen, who picked up his first win in his third game at the reins. "He's a joy to watch. He plays every game like there won't be one for him next week, like someone's going to take it away from him."

This afternoon against Philadelphia, Najar started at right midfield and played the full 90 minutes for the sixth straight game. With the Union giving Najar lots of space on the right, United began seeking out Najar with balls from the midfield. The strategy paid off in the 22nd minute, as Najar received a long pass, and sent a ball into the Phildelphia area. Danny Allsopp pounced on a scuffed clearance by Philadelphia's Danny Califf and scored the first of his two goals on the day.

"I feel comfortable on that side, and luckily we had some good opportunities and converted them," Najar said through translator Boris Flores after the game.

In the 63rd minute, after corralling a loose ball in the midfield. Najar again took off down the right side. Again, he sent a ball to Allsopp in the box, and again the Australian tucked it away. 2-0, United. Game as good as over.

"He's been great for us all season," Allsopp said after the game. "He's so strong for a young player and uses his body so well. Big ups to him."

Najar, a native of Honduras whose primary language is Spanish, and who just received his learner's permit over the summer, was slightly more subdued after the game than his coach and teammates. "I've been working very hard to win a spot in the team, and I just want to keep working hard and getting better," Najar said through Flores after the game.

Najar's career has been a constant lesson in working hard and getting better -- from being an All-Met selection after scoring 22 goals as a sophomore at Edison in 2009 to scoring nine goals as a forward with DC United's under-18 Academy side, from which the senior club signed him March 22, making Najar the second player ever to sign with the first team from United's Academy.

So far, he's recorded three goals and one assist in his debut year (he only got credit for an assist on Allsopp's second goal), but his main effect has been as the vanguard of United's youth movement, providing a glimpse of the future in a present that has had many grim moments.

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Donovan McNabb and the Redskins had no answer for Haloti Ngata (92) and the Ravens Saturday night. (Photo: Jay Westcott)

The Redskins were beaten by the Baltimore Ravens last night, and not just on the scoreboard, 23-3. They were dinged up physically (the Ravens sacked Washington QBs 4 times and QB Donovan McNabb, LT Trent Williams, S Kareem Moore, and FB Mike Sellers all suffered injuries), and tactically (like when the Ravens bamboozled the Redskins with a 51-yard fake punt  play that set up their go-ahead touchdown in the second quarter).

"We've got a lot of work to do," Mike Shanahan said after the game, and as so often happens, the coach was being understated. Not many people put themselves forward to seize a roster spot tonight. The best performer for Washington was Anthony Armstrong, who lead all Washington receivers with 82 yards on four catches, including a 45-yard haul that set up the Redskins' only points, a 25-yard Graham Gano field goal that opened the scoring on the Redskins' first possession.

"I feel confident in what I'm doing, but I also know I have to get better day in, day out," Armstrong said. "I can't come here and think that I have made it already."

On the flip side, Larry Johnson, who was supposed to solidify his claim to a roster spot tonight, did nothing of the sort, picking up four yards on eight carries, albeit against a very stout Ravens run defense.

"[The Ravens] did a good job up front," Shanahan said. "We couldn't get things going and our game plan wasn't quite what it was a week ago."

The best thing, ultimately, to come out of the evening was the minor nature of most of the injuries to key players. Williams, who  suffered a left elbow contusion after taking a helmet to the forearm and was later spotted with his right arm in a sling on the sideline, said the sling was "precautionary," and the injury "shouldn't hold me out." McNabb said his left ankle, wrapped in heavy bandages during the second half, was "sore," but also said "I expect to be back out there for practice [Monday]." Moore said the right knee injury he suffered in the first half was a "minor sprain," and an ACL test came up negative for any tears. He'll undergo an MRI Sunday just to be safe. Only Sellers seemed to cast any doubt on his status, saying it was "too early to tell" how his left knee injury would affect his status for next Friday's game against the New York Jets.

That game will feature the Redskins going up against a much tougher and even more physical defense than the Ravens tonight. Traditionally, starters play the most time in the third preseason game. After the nervous moments tonight in Landover, one wonders if Mike Shanahan would give that tradition a second thought.

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UPDATE- 1:40 Sunday afternoon. Zuckerman reports that Strasburg went through his normal after-start routine, including playing catch before returning to Washington for the scheduled MRI. The results won't be available until late tonight or early tomorrow. Mike Rizzo has been very quick to point out that Strasburg has not yet been shut down. Not much left to do now but wait.

UPDATE 3: Stephen Strasburg's injury has been diagnosed as a strain of the flexor tendon in his forearm, according to Mark Zuckerman. Strasburg will undergo an MRI tomorrow.

This is obviously very bad news for the Nationals. Considering how careful they have been with Strasburg this whole season, I have to think that this is a situation that would result in another trip to the DL at least, and possibly shutting him down for the season.   

 Stephen Strasburg departed his scheduled start against the Phillies in the fifth inning. According to the AP  report linked above, Strasburg grabbed his right wrist after throwing a pitch to Dominic Brown in the fifth inning. Strasburg lasted 4.1 innings in this start, allowing one run on two hits with six strikeouts.

I am waiting to confirm the severity of the injury, and will have more updates as events warrant.

UPDATE: Mark Zuckerman just happened to snap this photo of Strasburg's last pitch. As you can see, he's wincing notably.

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OT Will Robinson was on the left side to start the half, and found himself on the back foot against the rush of Ravens LB Antwan Barnes, though he managed to not allow a sack. However, the Redskins second-team OL was distinctly unimpressive on the night.

LB Perry Riley had a non-descript third quarter of play, mostly dropping back in to pass coverage. He has two tackles on the day in total.

P Josh Bidwell only punted once in the half for 59 yards. In all, Bidwell's had an impressive night to this point, with five punts averaging 44 yards each.

It's 20-3, Baltimore in front after three quarters. I'll have another post summing this one up, and bring you all the injury information from the locker room later on tonight.

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If the Redskins were in dreamland after last Friday night, then this first half has been a wake-up call. The Ravens lead it 13-3 after the first half, and outside of an impressive opening drive that fizzled out in a red zone FG, the offense has been a shadow of what it was against Buffalo.

Chris Cooley (two catches for 33 yards in the first quarter) was shut out in the second quarter and Donovan McNabb has had to use his legs much more often than he would have liked tonight, as the Ravens have put him under constant pressure from all angles. McNabb also threw his first INT as a Redskin, a poor choice of a throw that was intended for Santana Moss (4 catches, 79 yards) but easily picked off by Cary Williams.

Anthony Armstrong continued his strong play, recording three catches for 75 yards, including a 45-yard reception that set up the Redskins' only score to this point, a 25-yard Graham Gano field goal. 

On the defensive end, London Fletcher has been more prominent in the second quarter, with 4.5 tackles tonight, second only to LaRon Landry's six, as well as a fumble recovery that stopped a Ravens drive in Redskins territory. However, H.B. Blades won't want to see the replay of the fake punt that set up Baltimore's touchdown, as he missed a chance to stop Haruki Nakamura at the line of scrimmage. He missed, and Nakamura rumbled 51 yards to the Redskins one-yard-line, setting up Willis McGahee's touchdown run.

The starters did play for the entire first half. However, both Mike Sellers and Kareem Moore paid a heavy price for it, as both left the field with left and right knee injuries, respectively. Neither will return tonight and the severity of the injuries has not yet been disclosed. More on this as it develops 

In the third quarter, keep your eyes on Will Robinson at offensive tackle, Perry Riley at LB and punter Josh Bidwell.

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Chris Cooley made two catches for 33 yards. London Fletcher made 1.5 tackles and looked much more effective against the pass than the run. Nick Sundberg got first crack at long snapping and made one good placekicking snap to Josh Bidwell and two more to Bidwell on punts.

Having some wireless issues here in the press box, so I apologize for this not being up earlier. Am watching OT Will Robinson, LB Perry Riley and punter Bidwell here in the second quarter.

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Last week, I introduced a new feature, Notes from FedEx, in which I picked three guys on each side of the ball (offense, defense, special teams) for fans to keep an eye on in each quarter of the exhibition contest. After receiving critical acclaim, Notes from FedEx is back this week as the Redskins take on the Ravens.

Without further ado, my guys to watch for the first quarter:

Offense: TE Chris Cooley. Cooley caught three balls for 33 yards against Buffalo. We'll see if the much-hyped McNabb-Cooley connection continues to develop tonight.

Defense: ILB London Fletcher. Recorded three tackles last Friday night. The 3-4 scheme is tailor-made for Fletcher to contain backs and put up big tackling stats. It will be interesting to see how Fletcher plays in his second game in this new system.

Special Teams: Long Snapper du jour. The battle between Nick Sundberg and new signing James Dearth was one of the most intriguing subplots of training camp. Now the two get the chance to go head-to-head in a live competitive situation.

I'll be back with more notes after the first quarter, In the meantime, my colleague Mike Jones has a further breakdown of other players you need to watch tonight. You can also follow Mike and I on Twitter for more real-time observations on this contest.

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The view from our seats (Photo: TBD Staff)

Hello, and welcome to FedEx Field, where the Washington Redskins host the Baltimore Ravens in the second preseason game for both teams. Last Friday, the Redskins romped over the Buffalo Bills 42-17 in their preseason opener, while the Ravens held off the Carolina Panthers 17-12 last Thursday night.

This will be the final preseason home game for the Redskins. They travel to the Meadowlands August 27 to play the New York Jets and head for the desert to close the exhibition season September 2 against the Arizona Cardinals.

Both Mike Jones and I will have coverage of this one throughout the night. Mike will have quarter-by-quarter breakdowns, while I will be keeping you updated on various key Redskins throughout the night.

Stay tuned for more from FedEx Field in a bit.

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(Photo: ABC 7 News)

The youngest survivor of this month's deadly plane crash in Alaska will be honored by the Washington Redskins prior to their preseason clash with the Baltimore Ravens tomorrow night.

13-year-old Willy Phillips was one of four survivors of the Aug. 9 plane crash, which killed five people, including former Senator Ted Stevens and Phillips's father, attorney and lobbyist Bill Phillips. Willy, who suffered a broken ankle in the crash, would have been a first-year offensive/defensive tackle on the MSFL Lions of the Rockville Football League. The Lions were invited to scrimmage on the FedEx Field turf at halftime of Saturday's exhibition game against a team from Prince George's County at the beginning of August, according to the team's head coach, John Strittmatter.

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This next item came to us via the fantastically-named blog Vin Scully is my Homeboy. The event in question happened more than four months ago but is still worth revisiting.

It all began when Brian Birrer, a part-time artist based in New Jersey, constructed a life-sized wooden statue of Jackie Robinson, which he thought was supposed to go in the Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center in National Harbor, along with his earlier work, a life-sized statue of Babe Ruth. What happened next is somewhat wishy-washy. Birrer claims, "there was a change in personnel and by the time I was finished with the [Robinson] statue, they said, 'Beat it, we don't want it.'" A Gaylord hotel spokeswoman claims that Birrer was only under contract for the Babe Ruth statue, and there was no guarantee that other works of Birrer's would be accepted by the hotel. 

Regardless, the Robinson statue was left without a place for display. Then the Nationals got involved.

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Oh, yeah, and Jim Zorn (left) makes his return to FedEx Field as well (Photo: Associated Press)

Throughout the season, we'll be taking a closer look at the Redskins' opponents each week in our "Know the Foe" series. These previews will be more expansive in the regular season, but in the spirit of getting in game shape, we'll be rolling one out for each of the four preseason games as well.

Follow us below the jump to find all you need to know.

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Via Joseph G. White of the AP, it seems that the Washington Wizards have a very prominent job opening. That link takes you to a relatively simple online application form, the toughest question of which might be, "What is your favorite Wizard?" Can that be current or all-time? Can we get pedantic and pick a favorite Bullet as well as a favorite Wizard?

Jokes aside, tryouts will be held at the Verizon Center Monday, September 13 from 6-9 pm. You can bet that someone from this very fine site will be throwing their hat into the ring.

But one aspect of this is still shrouded in mystery. A quick Google search turned up the LinkedIn profile of former Wizards and George Mason University PA announcer Kevin Heilbronner, who held the Wizards job for just short of 12 years before departing after last season. Granted, my Google skills are weak, but I am slightly curious as to why Heilbronner said good-bye to the Wiz. It seems from his profile that he has a lot on his plate, but is that enough to walk away from an gig like this?

Stay tuned ...

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Imagine you're Roger Clemens. Life used to be pretty good. You'd been on a fast-track to Cooperstown for at least a decade. You gave your kids ridiculous names because, well, you're Roger Clemens, for God's sake. But then things began to fall apart. Rumors begin to fly that your late-career dominance came via less-than-natural means. Then MLB has to launch an investigation and your former trainer just has to start talking. Now it looks like a federal grand jury is fixing to indict you for perjury.

That, my friends, is a long, hard fall.

Or you could be a Spanish bullfighting fan. Imagine relaxing in the sun, maybe getting a sangria buzz going, maybe planning a little siesta, and then you notice that the bull is coming right at you.

So, which would you rather face: the slow humiliation of federal trial. or sudden trauma at the horns of a bull?

Let us know in the comments below.

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So, training camp is over, but there's still three preseason games left to play. What's next for the boys in burgundy and gold, and what should you look for against Baltimore Saturday night? Join me for our second-ever Redskins live chat. The fun begins Friday at 12:30. See you then.

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Redskins training camp wrapped up at Ashburn today with a morning practice that featured the players in shorts, helmets and no pads. The dress code was perfectly in keeping with Mike Shanahan's low-key, low-contact camp. Beginning next week, the Redskins will begin their normal, season-long practice schedule, but the time of two-a-days is at an end. I caught up with a few of the Redskins to get their thoughts. They're after the jump.

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No, he's not swearing in this picture (Photo: Associated Press)

Tonight marks the second episode of HBO's Hard Knocks series, the only show currently on television that can make Jim Brady swoon like a 1960s schoolgirl at a Beatles concert. In recent days, the show's star, Jets head coach Rex Ryan, has drawn criticism for his seemingly constant and creative use of profanity, the kind of thing that makes Joe Pesci in Goodfellas sound like a rank amateur.

Among the luminaries criticizing Ryan for his prodigiously profane vocabulary are Super Bowl-winning coach Tony Dungy, as well as Ryan's own mother.

So it was only natural that Mike Shanahan was asked today at Redskins Park if he was as profane as Ryan in dealing with his players.

"You gotta be yourself," said Shanahan in reference to the tempest-in-a-teapot surrounding Ryan. But then he added, "My wife gets on me [for using bad language] and my mother used to get on me, so if it happens on TV, I'm in trouble."

So there you have it, folks. Conclusive proof that none of Mike Shanahan's two Super Bowl campaigns as a head coach were powered by f-bombs. Not completely, anyway.

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