Stephen Strasburg UCL in elbow intact, return date unknown

Washington Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg avoided a catastrophic elbow injury but his status for the remainder of the season is unknown.

Strasburg underwent an MRI exam on Thursday, one day after leaving a start due to elbow soreness. The diagnosis was a strained flexor mass in the elbow, according to team trainer Paul Lessard.

Lessard said that the ulnar collateral ligament -- the one that leads to Tommy John surgery -- was intact. But the trainer didn't have a timetable for when Strasburg might return.

Nationals manager Dusty Baker was relieved to learn the diagnosis.

"It's good to hear it wasn't what everybody was speculating," Baker told reporters prior to Thursday's game.

Strasburg departed Wednesday's start against the Atlanta Braves after 2 1/3 innings and 42 pitches upon feeling a pinch in the back of his elbow.

The setback came in his first outing since Aug. 17 due to soreness in the elbow.

Strasburg (15-4, 3.60 ERA) has matched his career high in victories but has been limited to 24 starts due to elbow and back injuries.

Strasburg, who underwent Tommy John surgery in 2010, signed a seven-year, $175 million extension with Washington earlier this season.