for similar reasons they didn't win in 2014 (with a better team than 2012's) and 2016. Also, skipping starts and modifying his routine wouldn't have been beneficial for his recovery. Their doctors maintained that Strasburg should begin pitching at the beginning of the year, pitch on normal rest, and shut it down after 160 IP. In their mind, deviating from that would've enhanced the risk of future injury.

Kris Medlen was on a similar innings limit that same year, but with the Braves contending for the playoffs, they thought it would be beneficial to their short-term objectives to modify his usage. He got injured again a year later and hasn't been the same ever since, so it's hard to argue the Nats were in the wrong as it pertained to their top pitching asset at that time who they had designs on keeping for 10+ years.