NEW YORK -- With the All-Star break set to begin Monday, when Gio Gonzalez would normally have been slated to pitch, the Nationals have devised a creative way to keep their southpaw starter sharp.
Instead of stretching out in a typical mid-week bullpen session, Gonzalez will instead be available as a reliever for the final two games of the Nats' four-game set at Citi Field, which will wrap up Washington's first half.
Gonzalez gives the Nats a second left-handed option in the bullpen alongside Matt Grace, who has been stretched in emergency situations.