Gio impresses in brief simulated game

WASHINGTON -- Nationals left-hander Gio Gonzalez (shoulder inflammation) threw a three-inning simulated game Sunday morning and reported to manager Matt Williams that he "felt great" afterward.

Williams said they would look to set Gonzalez up for a rehab start in the coming days.

Pitching coach Steve McCatty looked on from behind an L-screen in back of the mound as Gonzalez faced infielders Kevin Frandsen and Greg Dobbs and first baseman Tyler Moore. Williams, team ambassador Livan Hernandez and bullpen coach Matt LeCroy also observed Gonzalez from behind the plate.

After his first simulated inning, Gonzalez took a break and walked back into the clubhouse. He stayed on the field to rest in between his second and third simulated innings, though.

"He threw well," Frandsen said. "The ball came out nice. His changeup looked really good."