Stephen Strasburg: MLB travel protocol 'intense'

Reigning World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg had his first experience with the MLB's new travel protocol on Monday, with the Nationals heading to Baltimore to face the Orioles in an exhibition game. Strasburg's review of the experience: "intense."

"It's pretty intense," Strasburg said. "You get on the bus, and you have to wear a face mask the whole time. Then you get in, and basically they temperature screen you. It's kind of tough to get a good temperature reading when it's 100 degrees outside."

According to Nationals manager Dave Martinez, the team actually took five buses to Baltimore so that the team could be spaced out properly without risk of infection. It's the type of experience that the NFL and MLB players will be forced to experience regularly, as the two leagues have opted for trying to finish their seasons without forming any sort of bubble, like what the NBA is doing in Orlando.

Fortunately for Strasburg, the "intense" experience did not keep him from having a solid performance on the mound. The right-hander struck out six batters over five innings, allowing just one earned run while not walking anyone. Strasburg said it was "pretty strange" pitching without fans but knows it's what he and everyone else will need to get used to.

"It's just what we've got to deal with. I think we're all competitors here, so the game out on the field doesn't really change," Strasburg said.

The MLB season is set to officially begin July 23, with the Nationals hosting the New York Yankees.