A's send Gonzalez to Washington

WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 (UPI) -- The Oakland Athletics agreed to send left-hander Gio Gonzalez to Washington Thursday in exchange for four of the Nationals' top prospects.

MLB.com reported the teams had completed the deal, although Gonzalez must pass a physical before the trade can become final.

Gonzalez was the ace of the Oakland staff last year, going 16-12 in 32 starts with an ERA of 3.12.

He will join a rotation in Washington that includes Stephen Strasburg and Jordan Zimmermann.

Washington traded away pitching prospects Brad Peacock, Tommy Milone and A.J. Cole along with catching prospect Derek Norris.

Peacock went 15-3 last year for Class AA Harrisburg and Class AAA Syracuse. Milone was 12-6 in Syracuse.