Next Up for Strasburg? Could Be Pujols

VIERA, Fla. -- It might not be the toughest step Stephen Strasburg takes all season, but the first one in his professional career was an adventure on Tuesday.

Apparently 27 pitches weren't enough for Strasburg's first spring start. The rookie threw 12-15 more pitches in the bullpen after he was done on the mound. He also stayed around to watch the game, instead of hitting the showers early.

According to Nationals manager Jim Riggleman, Strasburg will rest for two days and then throw a bullpen session. He'll then take another day of rest before pitching again on, "typical five days of rest", said Riggleman.

Five days from now puts Strasburg's next turn against the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday. He might get an opportunity to face another of Major League Baseball's toughest hitters in Albert Pujols. Facing Miguel Cabrera on Tuesday was a good primer, and Strasburg fared well -- striking Cabrera out with a curve ball on a 2-2 count.

John Hickey: Strasburg Beats Nerves, Blows Away Tigers

Riggleman did not comment on the length of Strasburg's next start, but typically teams like to add an inning, maybe two, to their pitcher's workload as they build up arm strength. The Nationals seem to be moving slowly with Strasburg, so it's unclear if they'll follow a similar path with their phenom.