Nationals, Gio Gonzalez agree to extension through 2016

The Washington Nationals announced via Twitter that they have agreed to a contract extension with starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez through the 2016 season.

In addition, there is a team option for the 2017 and 2018 season as well.

Gonzalez, who was acquired for four prospects last month, would have been eligible for arbitration this offseason.

In the past two seasons, Gonzalez has won 15-plus games, pitched 200-plus innings and posted a sub-3.25 ERA each year. Last season, he set career highs in wins (16) and strikeouts (197) and a career low in ERA (3.12).

Among qualified pitchers, Gonzalez ranked 11th in MLB in K/9 (8.78) last season. But only Toronto's Brandon Morrow (10.19), Seattle's (now New York's) Michael Pineda (9.11) and Detroit's Justin Verlander (8.96) had a better K/9 among A.L. starting pitchers.

That said, only Pittsburgh's James McDonald had a worse BB/9 (4.11) than Gonzalez (4.05) last year among qualified starters.

Mariners place Brandon Morrow on DL

The Seattle Mariners placed Brandon Morrow on the 15-day disabled list on Saturday. The move is retroactive to April 24th.

Morrow hasn't pitched since April 23rd and has five saves in seven opportunities.

The Mariners have recalled Denny Stark from Triple-A affiliate Tacoma to take Morrow's roster spot.

David Aardsma, who has three saves and an ERA of 2.61 through Saturday's game, should receive the bulk of save opportunities while Morrow is on the DL.

The Mariners currently lead the A.L. West with a 14-10 record.