Strasburg had surgery to remove non-cancerous growth from back

Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg. (Nick Wass/AP)

BOCA RATON, Fla. — Stephen Strasburg’s agent says the Washington Nationals pitcher has had surgery to remove a non-cancerous growth from his back.

Speaking Wednesday at the general managers’ meetings, Scott Boras said Strasburg was bothered by the growth when he pitched. Boras says the surgery took place about a month ago and added: "He’s fine now."

Strasburg was 11-7 with a career-high 3.46 ERA. He was on the disabled list from May 30 to June 23 because of neck tightness and from July 5 to Aug. 8 due to a left oblique strain. The 27-year-old right-hander, who was sidelined from August 2010 until September 2011 because of Tommy John surgery, can become a free agent after next season.

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