Nats' Stephen Strasburg makes start

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WASHINGTON -- Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg allowed two hits over five scoreless innings Tuesday night in his first major league start since undergoing Tommy John surgery.

His workload carefully monitored, Strasburg threw 56 pitches, 40 for strikes. He struck out four and his fastball peaked at 99 mph.

Strasburg left with the Nationals leading 3-0, but he was handed a no-decision when the Dodgers tied it in the top of the sixth.

The 2009 No. 1 overall draft pick wowed the baseball world last year during his rookie season. Those days came to an abrupt end when his elbow popped in a game at Philadelphia on Aug. 21, and his long road back began when he had ligament replacement surgery last Sept. 3.

Strasburg received a long standing ovation as he made his way from the bullpen to the dugout shortly after the national anthem. The crowd was sparse as the game began because of daylong rains that had threatened to postpone his much-anticipated comeback.

Strasburg made six minor league rehab starts this year, going 1-1 with a 3.54 ERA with 29 strikeouts and three walks.

The Nationals also recalled right-handers Yunesky Maya and Craig Stammen, left-hander Atahualpa Severino and outfielder Corey Brown from Triple-A Syracuse. They purchased the contracts of right-hander Brad Peacock and infielder Steve Lombardozzi from Syracuse.

Washington moved right-hander Cole Kimball to the 60-Day disabled list, released right-hander Adam Carr and designated right-hander Garrett Mock for assignment.

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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