WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- It has been a frustrating two years for Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg. Injuries are the reason he has only pitched a combined 26 2/3 innings during that span.

First, he underwent a carpal tunnel surgery in 2020 and then another surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome in ‘21. The latter injury is the one that is keeping him from playing in a Spring Training game this season.

Despite his nagging problems, Strasburg, 33, believes he will be a contributing factor in 2022. While he won’t be ready for Opening Day, he said he is getting stronger each day. On Monday, Strasburg threw 30 pitches in the bullpen, and he will have another bullpen session on Wednesday and take two days off before another session. He hopes to then be put in a game situation.

“I’m not too far from getting back in a game and getting built up from there,” Strasburg said. “I’m just really working on strength and stuff right now. ... It’s been a longer process of building up the stamina, being able to not only go out there and throw, but bounce back, recover and feel good and feel like everything is working properly. ... [It has to be] pain free in the recovery window that is needed.”

It seems like yesterday that Strasburg was the first overall pick in the 2009 MLB Draft. The expectations were through the roof, starting with his first Major League game against the Pirates in '10. It’s safe to say that he has lived up to the hype. Yes, he has won 113 games, but the postseason is where he has shined the best. In nine postseason games, Strasburg has a 1.46 ERA. He was at his best in the '19 World Series, winning the MVP after dominating the opposing Astros.

“When you look back on everything and where the team was [when I first joined], we were able to reach the highest level [by winning the World Series],” Strasburg said. “I would like to think there is still a lot left. I want to do everything in my power to take the ball every five days and help this team win some games.”

The Nationals' organization is now much younger, led by outfielder Juan Soto, and Strasburg is planning to have a front-row seat to watch Soto have another great season. Soto reminds Strasburg of his boyhood hero, Tony Gwynn.

“Juan is a unique player,” Strasburg said. “I don’t think there are guys that come around that have the skill set like Juan, especially from the offensive side. His ability to recognize balls and strikes, tracking pitches -- that’s something you could really admire as a fan of the game.

“It brings back a lot of similarities to me as a kid watching Tony Gwynn, except that Juan has a little more power. Juan is so comfortable in the box. He seems to know what every pitch is doing.”