(WIBX950 Sports)   It doesn't seem so long.  The newest pitching sensation that sold out ballparks coast to coast.   Washington Nationals Pitcher, Stephen Strasburg is making his way back.

According to cbssports.com, Strasburg has thrown off a bullpen mound as part of his recovery from Tommy John surgery.

Washington manager Jim Riggleman says Strasburg was expected to throw at about 50 percent Monday in Viera, Fla. Strasburg had been throwing off flat ground.    The overall No. 1 pick from the 2009 draft seemed excited about his return. He posted on Twitter: "First bullpen in the books. Felt great! Hopefully time will speed up now!"      The 22-year-old pitching phenom had ligament replacement surgery on his right elbow Sept. 3. It is expected to take 12 to 18 months for him to return to the majors.    Strasburg struck out 14 in his big league debut last June and went 5-3 with a 2.91 ERA in 12 starts.

If you remember, before being sent up to the Nationals he did Triple "A" time in Syracuse with the Chiefs, attracting some of the biggest crowds in team history.

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