Gio closing in on 200 innings, 200 K's

By Bill Ladson

September 25, 2013

ST. LOUIS -- It's not certain that Gio Gonzalez will pitch the season finale against the D-backs on Sunday. However, Nationals manager Davey Johnson wants to see Gonzalez make the start because he wants Gonzalez to reach 200 innings and 200 strikeouts.

Gonzalez last pitched Tuesday against the Cardinals, lasting seven innings and allowing two runs on six hits. The left-hander has thrown 195 2/3 innings with 192 strikeouts this season.

"I would like to see Gio [pitch] because he is five innings short of 200 innings. That's also a milestone, too," Johnson said.

If Gonzalez doesn't make the start, right-hander Tanner Roark would be on the mound.

Bill Ladson is a reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog, All Nats All the time. He also could be found on Twitter @WashingNats.