Nationals place Stephen Strasburg on 15-day DL with upper back strain

Washington starter Stephen Strasburg was hoping to make his scheduled start Sunday afternoon but instead was placed on the 15-day disabled list with an upper back strain, the Nationals announced.

Strasburg, 27, hasn’t started June 15 as a result of the back injury. He reportedly suffered the injury in Washington’s weight room last weekend, according to Roman Stubbs of The Washington Post.

He told reporters Friday that he had dislocated two ribs while lifting weights last weekend and that he was recuperating fine after having the ribs popped back into place earlier this week.

Since the roster move is retroactive to June 16, it’s unlikely Strasburg will miss much more time. In addition to undergoing season-ending Tommy John surgery in 2010, Strasburg has been bothered by oblique and neck injuries in the past.

Tanner Roark made Sunday’s start against the Brewers, but the Nationals will have to determine who will take Strasburg’s spot in the rotation this week. Yusmeiro Petit could start if Washington doesn’t want to recall Austin Voth or Lucas Giolito, as Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post notes.

Strasburg signed a seven-year, $175 million extension in May and pitched well before going down. Over 93.0 innings, he’s posted a 2.90 ERA and 2.83 FIP.

Washington is expected to make a corresponding roster move Monday.