47 Gio Gonzalez SP

Gonzalez (7-9) took the loss Tuesday, allowing five runs on five hits and three walks while striking out two over four innings against the Cardinals.

Gonzalez served up a two-run home run to opposing pitcher John Gant in the second inning, and failed to make it beyond the fourth inning for the second time in three starts. The 32-year-old has alternated good and bad starts over the past month, allowing five earned runs on three occasions while allowing just one apiece in the other two. His ERA now sits at a season-high 4.12 heading into Sunday's favorable matchup against the Marlins.

Gonzalez fell to 6-8 on the season after allowing six runs (five) earned in just 3.2 innings Saturday against the Reds. He struck out five while walking two and allowing 10 hits.

Gonzalez was poor throughout the game, allowing at least a run in every inning in which he threw a pitch. The lefty now has a pair of poor outings sandwiching a quality start in his last three appearances. He hasn't won a game since the month of May. He'll look to get back on track Thursday against the Braves.

Gonzalez had his start against the Reds on Friday postponed due to inclement weather. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader Saturday, Jamal Collier of MLB.com reports.

Gonzalez is expected to take the mound for Game 1 of Saturday's twin bill, per Collier. This will provide an issue for the Nationals rotation moving forward since the club also has a doubleheader on tap against Atlanta on Monday. As for Gonzalez, he will likely be called upon to pitch Thursday in Atlanta following his start this weekend.

Gonzalez allowed one earned run on three hits and four walks while striking out four Saturday against the Marlins. He did not factor into the decision.

Gonzalez benefited from a matchup against a weak lineup and an advantageous pitching environment to put together his best start since early June. He relied primarily on flyballs as 12 of the 21 outs he recorded came in the air. The downside was that he still battled his control -- he walked four batters and began only 11 of the 27 batters he faced with a strike -- and has now surrendered at least four free passes in five of his past six starts. Since the calendar flipped to June, Gonzalez has allowed 33 earned runs in 50 innings pitched, making it difficult to trust him until he shows improved skills.

Gonzalez (6-7) allowed five earned runs on six hits and five walks while striking out five across 5.2 innings to take the loss Monday against the Brewers.

Gonzalez was wild throughout the start -- he walked multiple batters in two innings -- but had allowed only three earned runs when he was pulled from the game. However, Ryan Zimmerman misplayed a chopper down the first base line to allow the rest of the runs charged to Gonzalez to score after he exited the game. Regardless, it's hard to feel comfortable with how he has pitched of late, as he has now walked four or more batters in four of his past five starts.