Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg throws off mound

Nationals top prospect Stephen Strasburg threw off the mound for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery last September. Strasburg relayed the good news to his Twitter followers.

"First bullpen in the books. Felt great! Hopefully time will speed up now!"

Strasburg was 5-3 with a 2.91 ERA in 12 starts with the Nationals, but through 23 starts between AA and the MLB, he posted a 2.10 ERA and a 12-5 record. Some think Strasburg could return this season, but the Nationals will ease him back and fans likely won't see him until 2012.