Just a little over one week ago, during a Sunday ball game in Hagerstown, Maryland, Stephen Strasburg made his first post-Tommy John surgery debut in front of more than 6,000 cheering and gasping spectators. People could be heard murmuring amongst themselves about the feats a talented rehabilitation specialist could perform. Seeing the first flourishes of Strasburg’s impressive recuperative strides was making the inner sportsman in everyone present proud.

Needless to say, observers also made clear their misgivings about last year’s super-hyped rookie pitcher for the Washington Nationals. After seeing him send down thirty-one pitches in a minor league game, commentators freely discussed the rehabilitative ground that the once-Olympic champ still had to cover. That’s to be expected. From Birmingham to San Diego to D.C. and back around the block to Hagerstown, Maryland, long term care and strict adherence to a competent doctor’s orders are a must for a truly successful return to form.

The typical athlete that goes through a Tommy John surgery requires about 12-15 months of rehabilitation before returning to his or her sport. After that, a player must continue to gradually build up strength before a complete recovery can be declared. For some players, that can take up to two years. On Wednesday, Strasburg is reappearing in Hagerstown to play for the Syracuse Chiefs, an affiliate team of the Nats. The next time you’re dutifully inquiring about the best physicians in Bethesda, yet still having doubts about the difference that real quality care can make, think about this: in his measured return to the game, Strasburg has secured nine strikeouts with no walks, let one run slip in during four 2/3 innings on five hits, and pitched balls with speeds of 96-98 miles per hour. He’s expected to only get better from here on out. Expect also to continue to see stadiums teeming with fans at each game Strasburg plays.