WITHER GIO?
The other concern is the fading Gio Gonzalez.
Baker and pitching guru Mike Maddux have to be scratching their heads as Gonzalez continues stumble. In his last five starts, he is 0-4 with an ERA of 7.45. Hurling 29 innings, he struck out 40 but allowed 35 hits and 24 earned runs. He seems to throw past batters instead of pitching. It is wonderful to whiff 12.4-per-9, it is another to have an opponent’s batting average of .297 and a BABIP of .405. Sure, the last week has looked better, 10 hits in 13.1 innings, but the body language has not.
Although in no danger of losing his spot in the rotation, a playoff team would eat him alive.
Will the brain trust go with Joe Ross as a fourth starter or do they get a veteran for the role. Unless Gonzalez can settle in and get hitters out, he is a playoff liability.
Time is on Gonzalez’s side as he has six weeks left to convince everyone he is ready for the long push ahead. Maddux works wonders, getting Gonzalez on track is doable.
Still, watch if the Nats score another starter.
Next: Prediction Time