WASHINGTON -- A press conference for the retirement of Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg tentatively planned for Saturday has been postponed, and managing principal owner Mark D. Lerner released a statement on Friday that responded to several reports on Strasburg’s status with the club.

Strasburg was placed on the 60-day injured list on March 30 because of thoracic outlet syndrome. In June, The Washington Post reported the right-hander had “severe nerve damage” and was shut down from baseball activities. He last pitched on June 9, 2022.

Lerner’s statement regards reports about Strasburg’s seven-year, $245 million contract signed in December 2019 and the former 2019 World Series MVP’s plans to retire:

Stephen Strasburg is and always will be an important part of the Washington Nationals franchise. We support him in any decision he makes and will ensure that he receives what is due to him.

It is regrettable that private discussions have been made public through anonymous sources attempting to negotiate through the media. While we have been following the process required by the Collective Bargaining Agreement, behind-the-scenes preparations for a press conference had begun internally. However, no such event was ever confirmed by the team or promoted publicly. It is unfortunate that external leaks in the press have mischaracterized these events.

It is our hope that ongoing conversations remain private out of respect for the individuals involved. Until then, we look forward to seeing Stephen when we report to Spring Training.

Sincerely,

Washington Nationals Managing Principal Owner Mark D. Lerner