Washington Times · Apr 7, 2016
Gio Gonzalez preparing to make first start after brief stint in bullpen
The Washington Nationals chose to skip starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez during the first week. The main reason is because the schedule is odd.
Washington opened the season Monday at the Atlanta Bravens. It had the next day, Gonzalez’s planned rotation spot, off. It then played Wednesday night and Thursday afternoon and would be off again on Friday. Keeping Stephen Strasburg on his regular rest, which meant he pitched Wednesday in Atlanta, bumped Gonzalez back to Monday, when the Braves will play at Washington.
Gonzalez spent the first two games in the bullpen having fun and learning a different perspective. He was available in an emergency or as long relief.