Cesar Tordesillas

Washington Nationals Starter Stephen Strasburg is not injured and isn't expected to miss a start, said general manager Mike Rizzo.

Strasburg was suffering from forearm tightness when he pitched six entire six innings in a 3-2 loss to the Atlanta Braves. He was later examined by a doctor.

Rizzo assured that Strasburg's surgically repaired right arm is "structurally perfect" and that his Tommy John surgery in 2010 has nothing to do with his current condition.

He added that Strasburg suffered some irritation that might be related to using a muscle-stimulation machine prior to his start.

Against the Braves Monday, Strasburg appeared to struggle to get comfortable on the mound, sometimes shaking his arm after a pitch.

"His command was way off, so I knew something was off," said Nats manager Davey Johnson.

"He was shaking his elbow more frequently," Johnson said, adding Strasburg didn't complain "but he was irritable."

Strasburg insisted he "felt good" physically but struggled with his control.

"I couldn't throw strikes early on," Strasburg said. "I was able to kind of battle through it and keep it close."

Strasburg gave up two runs and six hits, walking four and striking out eight.

He had lost a career-worst four straight starts before pitching six innings and getting a no-decision in the 3-2 loss. He is 1-4 with a 3.13 ERA.

Atlanta beat the Nationals for the eighth straight time dating back to last season. The Braves swept three games at Washington earlier this month.

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Nationals Say Pitcher Stephen Strasburg's Forearm is Sound