Washington ( CNN ) -- The Washington Nationals -- the upstarts battling for a playoff spot -- ended the season of its star pitcher to keep him healthy for next year . Stephen Strasburg made his last appearance of the 2012 season Friday , team spokesman John Dever confirmed to CNN . Debate has raged in baseball over the rare move , particularly because the National League-East leading Nationals appear headed to a division title and a post-season berth . The 24-year-old right-hander returned to the mound this season after `` Tommy John '' surgery on his right elbow . The Nationals said they would limit him to roughly 160 innings for the year to keep him from reinjuring his pitching arm . Manager Davey Johnson made good on the promise after Strasburg 's rough outing Friday night against the Miami Marlins . A start Wednesday against the New York Mets was supposed to be Strasburg 's final appearance this year . The pitcher finished the season with a 15-6 record , 197 strikeouts and a 3.16 ERA . He pitched 159 and 1/3 innings . SI : How much will Strasburg be missed ? Opinion : Baseball , get tough on pitchers who hit batters . One-handed kid meets his baseball idol .
Stephen Drew is MVP for the Nationals . He was 15 - 6 with a perfect ERA . He recorded 197 strikeouts . The Nationals want to keep ace from breaking his arm .