Gonzalez brings good history against Dodgers to tonight's crucial matchup (Robles day-to-day)

Left-hander Gio Gonzalez has a huge start tonight and can provide a much needed stop for the Nationals, who have lost two in a row.

Obviously it hasn't been Gonzalez's most consistent season, but he would certainly like to build off his last positive start against the Mets before the break.

Gonzalez (5-8) notched a hard-fought 3-2 win July 10, going 5 2/3 innings, allowing two runs and four hits with four walks and three strikeouts. He surrendered just two solo homers.

He had lost five of his past six decisions. He has walked four or more batters in four of his last six starts. But the walks did not bite him last time out versus the Mets.

Tonight, Gonzalez makes his fifth start against the Dodgers. He is 2-1 with a 1.73 ERA against Los Angeles, allowing only five runs and 17 hits in 26 innings. He has 28 strikeouts and just 10 walks against them. With four or more career starts, it is his second best ERA versus any opponent, and his best mark against a National League team. His 0.81 ERA in seven starts against the Indians is the only one that is better.

Nice bounce back by right-hander Lucas Giolito last night in Triple-A Syracuse's 4-3 victory over Gwinnett. Giolito pitched out of a bases-loaded one-out jam in the first inning, not allowing a run. He let the Braves have only two base runners from the third through the sixth frames.

Giolito was outstanding, going 6 2/3 innings, allowing no earned runs on seven hits with two walks and seven strikeouts. It was Giolito's Triple-A debut, and his first win at the level. He tossed 104 pitches with 70 strikes.

It was a good sign to see Giolito keep his walks down and not allow the Braves any big innings. General Mike Rizzo said that Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez provide excellent insurance policies down the stretch and could help in many ways as September approaches, whether it is spot duty or to fortify the bullpen.

The high Single-A Potomac Nationals fell to Salem 1-0. Victor Robles did not play, replaced by center fielder D.K. Carey. Robles has been out since Monday when he was hit by a pitch and had to leave the game. I should have an update on Robles later today. Stay here and check back to find out more news on the status of the Nationals' top outfield prospect.

Former Nationals right-hander Craig Stammen looks very close to returning to the majors. Last night, Stammen earned a hold with two shutout innings for the Double-A Akron Rubber Ducks in the Indians organization. He pitched in Akron's 5-2 win at Richmond. He has been out of the majors with an elbow injury since last April.

Update: Robles is listed as day-to-day with a hand contusion. He'll miss some action, but this is positive news considering that the hit by pitch could've resulted in a far more serious injury for the outfielder.