Gonzalez gave up five runs on six hits and two walks while striking out five over five innings during Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Astros.

EDGE Analysis

Home runs by Jake Marisnick and Marwin Gonzalez accounted for most of the damage, but despite the rough line in the box score, the 31-year-old lefty increased his workload to 91 pitches and would seem to be ready for the regular season. Gonzalez will slot in as the Nats' fourth starter to begin the year, putting him in line to make his first appearance April 7 in Philadelphia.