The Washington Nationals have made the decision to send 23-year-old All-Star shortstop CJ Abrams down to Triple-A Rochester. Manager Dave Martinez stated that this move was not based on performance, but rather an internal issue that he did not want to disclose specifics about.
Rumors began circulating when a post on social media claimed that Abrams had been at a local casino until 8 a.m. before a day game. When asked about this post, Martinez reiterated that the issue would be handled internally.
The plan now is for Abrams to return to Washington, D.C., and then head to the Nationals’ training complex in West Palm Beach, Florida for the remainder of the Major League season. He will be joined by other players from the Red Wings as they all work on staying prepared.
Martinez expressed his support for Abrams, stating that he is still an important part of their team and will continue to be so in the future. The decision was communicated to Abrams after Friday’s game, and Martinez admitted that emotions were running high during their conversation.
Abrams had an impressive first half of the season which earned him his first All-Star selection. However, his performance declined after the break with a .203 batting average and five home runs in 49 games.
Despite this slump, Abrams became part of an exclusive club within the Nationals organization by hitting 20 home runs and stealing 31 bases in one season. Only Alfonso Soriano achieved this feat before him back in 2006.
Infielder Trey Lipscomb has been recalled from Rochester as a corresponding move while Nasim Nuñez took over shortstop duties on Saturday’s game.
Martinez assured fans that Abrams will bounce back from this setback and expressed confidence in his abilities moving forward.
