Washington, DC

The Washington Nationals are going to proceed with caution when it comes to Stephen Strasburg.

The Nationals right-hander will be on an innings limit next season as he continues his comeback from Tommy John surgery on his pitching elbow.

General manager Mike Rizzo didn't say what Strasburg's limit will be.

"I've already calculated it, semi-calculated it, in my mind with our medical staff and our pitching people," Rizzo said. "We've already discussed it."

Strasburg is 0-1 with a 2.00 ERA, with 14 strikeouts in 18 innings. He has not issued a walk either as he prepares to start Wednesday at the Florida Marlins on the last day of the regular season.

Strasburg had his ligament-replacement operation in September 2010 and made his return to the Washington rotation this September.

"We're still at the beginning of that process. We want to find out how he feels at the end of the season and where he's at. We'll calculate it and see what's a comfortable amount for him," Rizzo said.

Twitter: @ihavenet

Copyright © 2011 AHN - All Rights Reserved