Gio set to make rehab start Friday at Class A

WASHINGTON -- Nationals left-hander Gio Gonzalez (shoulder inflammation) will make a start for Class A Advanced Potomac on Friday as part of his rehab process.

Gonzalez threw around 50 pitches in his last bullpen session, and manager Matt Williams said the pitcher would look to increase his pitch count to around 65 pitches during his start on Friday.

"He feels good and he's ready to go," Williams said.

Williams said the thought is that Gonzalez will be able to rejoin the Nationals after his one rehab start, but it will depend on how the left-hander feels after his start and how he pitches on Friday.

"It's fairly quick and he hasn't gotten to 100 [pitches] yet," Williams said. "So we'll have to see."

Gonzalez was placed on the 15-day disabled list on May 18. He threw a three-inning simulated game on Sunday morning and afterward reported feeling great to Williams.