Nationals ready to send Gio Gonzalez to rehab

By Matt Fisher | May 30, 2014

May 28, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals head athletic trainer Lee Kuntz speaks with starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez (47) prior to the game against the Miami Marlins at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Putting Washington Nationals’ starter Gio Gonzalez was part because of reported shoulder discomfort, but also could have had something to do with his struggles in two straight starts prior to his DL stint. Now, the Nats are ready for Gonzalez to get back into game shape and help the team take advantage of a relatively weak NL East.

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Neither of Gonzalez’ last two starts saw him go longer than 4 innings, giving up a total of 12 runs in those starts. One of those came against his former club, the Athletics, who, at the time, were about the hottest team in baseball. That may have been overlooked as a blip on the radar. His next problematic start was against the New York Mets, who are just about as opposite of the Athletics as a team can get. Soon after that start, Gonzalez went on the disabled list.

He has suffered one setback with shoulder stiffness, but as Bill Ladson of MLB.com reports, Gonzalez is about ready to get back to the big league club. Gonzalez’ bullpen session went just fine and the next step is for him to progress to a simulated game before heading to one of the Nationals’ minor-league affiliates to begin a rehab assignment.

Since Gonzalez’ injury wasn’t exactly of a very serious nature, Gio will probably end up rehabbing at Triple-A. As of now, it hasn’t been revealed as to where Gonzalez will need to complete his rehab, but if it only ends up taking two starts, he won’t be down long. Pending any further setbacks, Gio would rejoin the Nationals in mid-June, potentially for the Giants or Cardinals’ series.