Stephen Strasburg to undergo MRI after feeling pinch in elbow

The Washington Nationals have to be praying to the baseball gods right about now after Stephen Strasburg left Wednesday’s game with an elbow issue.

Strasburg made his return from the 15-day DL Wednesday to face the Atlanta Braves but exited in the third inning after experiencing elbow discomfort, which was described as a pinch.

Strasburg leaves early. See the pitch that caused it and his final pitch. pic.twitter.com/kvb4F1YMb9

— JohnnyJonathan (@NatitudeProblem) September 8, 2016

Strasburg had just spent time on the disabled list because of an elbow issue, but he will have an MRI in light of his problems against the Braves.

Strasburg already had Tommy John surgery once in 2010, so the team and its fans would hate to see him need a second operation. Washington also signed Strasburg to a 7-year, $175 million contract extension in May and has to be extremely concerned.