WASHINGTON — The Washington Nationals' top overall draft pick Stephen Strasburg is moving up a level.

The Nationals promoted Strasburg to Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday. The 21-year-old right-hander will make his International League debut Friday when the Chiefs host the Gwinnett Braves.

Strasburg put up solid numbers in five starts with Double-A Harrisburg. He went 3-1 with a 1.64 ERA, striking out an Eastern League-high 27 and walking just six in 22 innings.

He also ranked first in the Eastern League in strikeout-to-walk ratio and strikeouts per nine innings.

Strasburg signed a record $15.1 million, four-year contract with the Nationals last year. Barring a setback, he is expected to make his major league debut next month.