Washington Nationals place SP Gio Gonzalez on 15-day DL

The Washingon Nationals parade of players to the disabled list continued on Sunday when starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez was placed on the 15-day DL with shoulder inflammation.

This marks the first time in his seven-year career that Gonzalez had been placed on the DL.

Gonzalez, who has been struggling all season, gave up five runs in just three innings to the New York Mets on Saturday, lowering his record to 3-4 with a 4.62 ERA.

The 28-year-old Gonzalez was scheduled to undergo an MRI on the shoulder on Sunday.

“You know, it’s one of those things, you just got to keep grinding through,” said Gonzalez prior to the team placing him on the DL. “Just trying to find out what it is. Hopefully, something positive comes out of it. Other than that, just try to stay positive … Realistically, (my) arm was dropping a lot. I guess we’ll see.”

The Nationals have been hit hard with key injuries this season, and Gonzalez is the latest to go down. The Nats are already limping through the early part of the season without outfielder Bryce Harper, third baseman Ryan Zimmernan and first baseman Adam LaRoche.

Per an ESPN.com report, Washington has recalled right-handed reliever Ryan Mattheus to replace Gonzalez on the 25-man roster.