Gio Gonzalez (shoulder) threw a successful bullpen session Thursday. Gonzalez will throw a simulated game Sunday and will be cleared for a rehab assignment if that goes well. It's not clear how many rehab starts he'll need, but the left-hander is trending towards an early June return. Gonzalez posted a 4.62 ERA while striking out over a batter per inning before going on the disabled list.

Gio Gonzalez (elbow) threw on flat ground for the fourth straight day Tuesday. It was the second day in a row he threw from 120 feet, and he tossed at a higher velocity. Gonzalez is expected to be cleared to throw a bullpen session soon. If he continues to progress with no issues, he should rejoin the rotation in early June.

Gio Gonzalez (shoulder) played catch Saturday. It was his first time doing so since landing on the 15-day disabled list on May 18 with left shoulder inflammation. Gonzalez is feeling healthier and aiming to return to the Nationals' starting rotation in early June.

Gio Gonzalez (shoulder) will play catch Saturday. He had been slated to play catch Friday, but the Nationals have decided to push him back a day. Gonzalez hasn't had a setback, so this is no big deal.

Gio Gonzalez (shoulder) is expected to play catch on Friday. An enhanced MRI over the weekend on Gonzalez's left shoulder revealed only inflammation, and the southpaw is almost ready to resume throwing. The Nationals have yet to set a timetable for Gonzalez's return, but it seems like the left-hander should have a shot to be back when first eligible on June 2.

An enhanced MRI on Gio Gonzalez's left shoulder has revealed only inflammation. It's good news, as the southpaw has been cleared of any structural damage. Gonzalez has been prescribed rest, and it would seem like he'd have a good shot to return when first eligible in early June. Officially, the Nationals have yet to set a timetable for the left-hander's return.

Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said Sunday that he's "not overly concerned" about Gio Gonzalez (shoulder), but the club won't know more until the results from an enhanced MRI are known. The Nats went ahead and placed Gonzalez on the disabled list because he wasn't going to be available for a while after having dye injected into his shoulder before the MRI. The hope is that he's only dealing with inflammation, but more should be known following Sunday's game. Blake Treinen is expected to take Gio's spot in the rotation.

Nationals placed LHP Gio Gonzalez on the 15-day disabled list with left shoulder inflammation. Gonzalez was set to undergo an MRI Sunday, and the injury designation would indicate that the exam came back clean. However, he's going to need at least a couple weeks off. It's the first time Gonzalez has ever been on the disabled list, but he did miss a few days in spring training with a sore shoulder and also had a bout of soreness back in 2009. Blake Treinen is likely to take his spot in the rotation.

MLB.com's William Ladson reports that Gio Gonzalez (arm) will be placed on the disabled list. Gonzalez was slated to undergo an MRI on his pitching arm Sunday. The results of the exam have not yet been revealed, but obviously it's bad enough that the left-hander will need at least a couple weeks of down time. The Nationals will provide an update on Gonzalez's status shortly.

Gio Gonzalez is scheduled to undergo a precautionary MRI on his left arm on Sunday. Gonzalez was shelled for five earned runs in three innings Saturday in a loss to the Mets and seven runs in 4 1/3 innings last Sunday against the A's. "You know, it's one of those things, you just got to keep grinding through," Gonzalez said Saturday when asked about his health. "Just trying to find out what it is. Hopefully, something positive comes out of it. Other than that, just try to stay positive." He's had shoulder issues in the past.