Nationals GM: Stephen Strasburg 'needs more work'

WASHINGTON (AP) — After watching Stephen Strasburg pitch in Double-A ball, Nationals GM Mike Rizzo says the right-hander "certainly needs more work down in the minor leagues."

On the other hand, Rizzo classifies identifying Strasburg's areas for improvement as "really nitpicking." He also said he has a "definitive plan in my mind" for how to move last year's No. 1 overall draft pick through the minors and to the majors.

Rizzo declined to say Wednesday whether that would include a stop at Triple-A Syracuse. He spoke after driving back from Harrisburg, Pa., where Strasburg struck out six batters and allowed only one hit in five shutout innings in his third minor league start — and first Rizzo has attended.