Gio nearing rehab stint after latest session

WASHINGTON -- Nationals left-hander Gio Gonzalez threw a bullpen session at Nationals Park during Thursday's off-day, according to a baseball source, and it went off without a hitch.

Gonzalez's next move will be to have a simulated game Sunday and then start a rehab assignment five days later. It's not known which Minor League affiliate he'll start for.

The Nationals placed Gonzalez on the 15-day disabled list on May 18 because of left shoulder inflammation. Gonzalez has been dealing with shoulder problems dating back to his April 23 start against the Angels, but he said it was nothing to be concerned about.

However, Gonzalez had one of his roughest starts on May 17 in a 5-2 loss against the Mets, allowing five runs in three innings. After the game, he declined to discuss his shoulder problems, saying he had to gut it out on the mound. Gonzalez was placed on the DL the next day.