In an expected move, the Washington Nationals have optioned 2009 #1 pick Stephen Strasburg to their Double-A Minor League affiliate in Harrisberg. Strasburg struck out eight St. Louis batters in four innings on Friday night.

Despite being sent to the Minors, it’s possible that the big league club could call upon his services for an April 3 exhibition game verse the Boston Red Sox in Washington D.c.

It would not be surprising if Strasburg finds his way back to the Major League club come May or June. By waiting until mid-season to summon Strasburg, it would delay his eligibility for arbitration and thus saving the team potentially millions of dollars in salary.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this article.