Manager Dusty Baker said Monday that either Giolito or A.J. Cole will be given Stephen Strasburg's (elbow) Saturday start against the Rockies, Mark Zuckerman of MASN reports.

EDGE Analysis

In three starts for the Nationals this season, Giolito has posted a 4.91 ERA, never lasting more than four innings. Cole, on the other hand, was impressive in his season debut Monday, allowing four runs over seven innings in a loss against Baltimore. Nonetheless, Baker would not commit to a starter going forward.

Giolito was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse following Sunday's start, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

After a lackluster 3.1 innings in Sunday's outing, the Nationals will send their top pitching prospect back to the minors for some more seasoning. Washington will be in need of a fifth starter next Saturday, and Zuckerman named Reynaldo Lopez and Joe Ross (threw 43 pitching in rehab start Sunday) as the two potential candidates for the start. This likely isn't the last to be heard from Giolito, but he'll retake his spot in the Syracuse rotation for now.

Giolito allowed four runs, two of which were earned, on four hits and three walks over 3.1 innings, but received no decision Sunday against the Padres.

EDGE Analysis

Giolito left the contest after 3.1 innings with a 5-4 lead, but he didn't last long enough to factor into the decision.In his three starts at the major-league level this season, he's allowed six earned runs in 11 innings to give him a 4.91 ERA. His next start has yet to be determined.

Giolito has been recalled from Triple-A and will take the mound Sunday against the Padres, MLB.com's William Ladson reports.

EDGE Analysis

The team hasn't made an announcement just yet, but one can deduce that a roster move has been made for Giolito after taking a look at Sunday's lineup card. The young right-hander will take on southpaw Christian Friedrich and a San Diego offense that owns a .214 batting average in the last 14 days.

Giolito will start Sunday's game against the Padres, Mark Zuckerman of MASN reports.

EDGE Analysis

As expected, Giolito will come up from Triple-A after the Nats announced earlier in the week that Reynaldo Lopez had been demoted, while Joe Ross remains on the DL. Giolito has made two starts for the Nationals this season, allowing a combined eight hits and four earned runs, including two home runs, across 7.2 innings. He fared well in his only Triple-A start of the season, allowing one run over 6.2 innings, after amassing a 3.17 ERA across 14 starts at Double-A. The Nats will need to make a corresponding move before officially recalling Giolito to the 25-man roster.

With the news that Reynaldo Lopez was sent back to Triple-A and Joe Ross will need to make a rehab start, Lucas Giolito is the favorite to start the game for the Nationals on Sunday against the Padres, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Giolito is coming off a great start in his Triple-A debut, allowing no runs and striking out seven in 6.2 innings. While he has yet to officially be named the starter for Sunday, there doesn't seem to be an alternative option for the Nationals at this time.

The Nationals optioned Giolito to Triple-A Syracuse on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Giolito would not have pitched again for the Nationals prior to the All-Star break, so the team decided to send him down in order to continue getting him regular starts. He could rejoin the big club at some point after the All-Star break, but if and when that happens may depend on the health of fellow starter Joe Ross.

Giolito (0-0) allowed four runs on seven hits and four walks while striking out four over 3.2 innings, but received no-decision Thursday at the Mets.

EDGE Analysis

Giolito was staked to a 4-1 lead going into the bottom of the fourth, but he gave up a pair of homers in the frame and squandered the lead. After tossing four shutout innings in his first start on June 28, he now has a 4.70 ERA in two outings. With Joe Ross (shoulder) on the disabled list, he'll likely make his next start after the All-Star break.

Giolito appears in line to remain in the Washington rotation following the placement of Joe Ross (shoulder) on the disabled list, Dan Kolko of MASN Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Giolito had his Major League debut cut short by rain, but he showed some positive signs, allowing just three baserunners over four scoreless innings. The top prospect was expected to be sent back down following the call-up of Stephen Strasburg, but a rotation spot opened back up when Ross hit the DL with shoulder inflammation. Ross would have made his next scheduled start Thursday against the Mets, and although the team has yet to make any announcement regarding their rotation, it would make sense for Giolito to step into that role.

Giolito was cruising along through four innings Tuesday before having his MLB debut ended by a long rain delay, allowing just one hit and two walks with one strikeout against the Mets.

EDGE Analysis

Neither Giolito nor Mets starter Matt Harvey returned after the 83-minute delay, which left the elite prospect ineligible to win due to pitching less than five innings despite leaving with the lead. The plan was only to have the 21-year-old up with the big club until Stephen Strasburg (back) returns, but he may have earned himself a more extended look with a strong debut. If Strasburg doesn't return soon, Giolito could once again find himself on the mound Sunday against the Reds.