Stephen Strasburg to start Game 4 for Washington Nationals against Chicago Cubs

CHICAGO - Stephen Strasburg is now expected to take the mound for the Washington Nationals in Game 4 of the National League Division Series against the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday.

MLB Network reporter and FOX Sports contributor Jon Morosi first reported the news, citing a source.

Nationals manager Dusty Baker announced after the rainout on Tuesday that he would start pitcher Tanner Roark instead of giving the ball to Strasburg, who would be pitching on regular rest Wednesday.

Strasburg threw a bullpen session Monday, but Baker said an illness going around his team made his ace feel under the weather. He attributed to the illness to weather, air conditioning at their hotel and Wrigley, and the "time of the year for mold around Chicago."

Strasburg, who signed a seven-year contract worth $175 million in 2016, came under fan scrutiny, many questioning his toughness and dedication to the team after Baker made the announcement.

The Nationals face a do-or-die situation, as they trail the Cubs 2-1 in the series and would be eliminated from the playoffs if they were to lose Thursday evening.

Jake Arrieta, the 2015 National League Cy Young award winner, will take the mound for the Cubs on Wednesday in his return from a right hamstring injury.

If the Nationals win Wednesday evening, Game 5 would be played in Washington with the winner of that game going on to play the Los Angeles Dodgers in National League Championship Series. Game 1 of the NLCS was scheduled to begin Saturday in Los Angeles.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.