Strasburg works toward return

A year ago, Stephen Strasburg electrified the baseball world, striking out 14 batters in his major league debut.

He’ll mark the anniversary in mundane fashion, continuing his rehab from Tommy John surgery while finding ways to spend his disproportionate amount of free time.

“I haven’t really thought about it much, to be honest,” Strasburg said Tuesday. “It was an amazing experience, but it’s kind of foggy right now. I’m really focused on living in the now, and I’ve got a lot of work to do and a lot of work ahead of me. My goal right now is to get back to 100 percent and go out there and fill up the stadium like I did on that day.”

Strasburg struck out the last seven batters he faced, putting a sold-out ballpark into a state of delirium during his seven innings in the Washington Nationals’ 5-2 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on June 8, 2010.

He was 5-3 with a 2.91 ERA in 12 starts before his right elbow gave out. He had ligament replacement surgery on Sept. 3 and is working his way back at the Nationals’ spring training complex in Viera, Fla.

Nationals, D-backs land suspensions

Washington Nationals pitcher Jason Marquis and Arizona reliever Esmerling Vasquez have been suspended for throwing at hitters last weekend after both teams had been warned.

Marquis was penalized five games and fined an undisclosed amount. Vasquez was suspended three games and also fined. Both pitchers have appealed and can play until the process is complete.

Managers Jim Riggleman of the Nationals and Kirk Gibson of the Diamondbacks were each suspended for one game and fined.

• Boston Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon has been suspended three games for making contact with an umpire.

The suspension was to begin against the New York Yankees, but Papelbon is appealing.

Major League Baseball also fined Papelbon an undisclosed amount for his actions in the ninth inning last Saturday.

Clearing the bases

Red Sox reliever Bobby Jenks left Boston’s game against the Yankees after throwing just four pitches in the seventh inning because of back tightness. … The Oakland Athletics placed left-hander Brett Anderson and second baseman Mark Ellis on the 15-day disabled list. Anderson has a sore left elbow and Ellis, a former Spokane Indian, strained his right hamstring. … Vernon Wells (groin) has come off the DL for the Los Angeles Angels.