Phillies vs. Nationals: Gio Gonzalez scratched from scheduled start, Nats tap Tom Gorzelanny

Washington Nationals' Gio Gonzalez has been scratched from Tuesday night's contest with the Philadelphia Phillies, Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post is reporting. In his place, Tom Gorzelanny (4-2) will start and oppose B.J. Rosenberg (1-2, 6.86 ERA) at Nationals Park (7:05 p.m. ET on MASN).

The move has nothing to do with the health of 21-game winner but everything to do with the Nationals (96-64) clinching the National League East Division crown on Monday night. Nats' manager Davey Johnson said he wants Gonzalez to start Game 1 of the National League Division Series, and if he pitched it would put that strategy in jeopardy.

This will be Gorzelanny's first start of the season. In 44 relief appearances for the Nats' the lefty has compiled a 2.90 ERA. However, a starting role is not new to the eight-year veteran, who served mainly has a starter in his first seven seasons in the big leagues.

Meanwhile, Rosenberg will also be making an unexpected start as he's filling for Tyler Cloyd, who has come up with a sore arm.