Gonzalez could return after the minimum 15 days, but there's always some concern when a pitcher's shoulder or elbow lands him on the disabled list.
The Washington Nationals placed lefty Gio Gonzalez on the 15-day disabled list with inflammation in his pitching shoulder, according to the Washington Post's Adam Kilgore. An initial MRI showed no structural damage, and suggested only rest for recovery. However, the 28-year-old also underwent an advanced anthrogram MRI on Sunday morning. The results should be available after the Nationals afternoon game against the Mets, but the procedure includes an injection of dye, which alone requires pitchers to miss at least two starts.
The injury is unlikely to lead to an operation. Gonzalez should return after the minimum 15 days have elapsed.
In nine starts this season, Gonzalez has a posted a 4.62 ERA with 53 strikeouts and 20 walks in 50⅔ innings.
In his absence, the Nationals could call on Blake Treinen and Taylor Jordan to make spot starts for the club, since at this point, Gonzalez is expected to return in early June.
Treinen, 25, has started just one game in the majors this season, but it was productive. Over 11⅔ innings, he's put up a 0.77 ERA despite his 1.77 WHIP.
Jordan, also 25, struggled through his first five starts this year. In 25⅔ innings, he's posted a 5.64 ERA and a 1.64 WHIP. He was experiencing a dip in velocity while with Washington, but he has been topping out between 92 and 94 mph with Triple-A Syracuse, according to Kilgore.