Worth noting

• Several Nationals have battled illness going back to Spring Training, and pitcher Gio Gonzalez has become the latest. The left-hander was set to see a doctor and go home early on Saturday. He is scheduled to start on Tuesday against the Marlins at Nationals Park.

• Third baseman Ryan Zimmerman took ground balls at first base during batting practice before Saturday's game, a possible indication that he could get the start there on Sunday. The Nationals have planned to give Zimmerman some time at first base against left-handed pitchers, in place of Adam LaRoche. If Zimmerman plays first, Anthony Rendon could slide to third, while Danny Espinosa could start at second.

• Right-hander Lucas Giolito, the Nats' No. 1 prospect, according to MLB.com, made his season debut on Saturday evening for Class A Hagerstown. Pitching at a full-season affiliate for the first time, the 19-year-old lasted three innings against the visiting Rome Braves, giving up four runs (three earned) on six hits, striking out three and walking two. He also surrendered a home run.