The Washington Nationals made a shocking and puzzling move on Saturday.
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All-Star shortstop C.J. Abrams was optioned with just eight games left in the regular season and one day left in the minor league season. Infielder Trey Lipscomb has been called up. The move comes ahead of Saturday’s game against the Cubs in Chicago.
Abrams played Friday night and went 0-3 in the Nats’ 3-1 loss to the Cubs.
We have made the following roster moves:
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) September 21, 2024
– INF Trey Lipscomb (recalled)
– SS CJ Abrams (optioned, Triple-A Rochester)
-> https://t.co/YBGfvSGUbt pic.twitter.com/aZ0l24Abyj
The 23-year-old Abrams, a first-time All-Star in 2024, is viewed as a building block for the Nats. He was acquired from the San Diego Padres as part of the Juan Soto blockbuster trade.
Abrams has been scuffling in the second half of the season, hitting .203 with a .586 OPS after the All-Star break. However, he’s turned things around over the past 15 days, hitting .324 with a .933 OPS and five extra-base hits.
Why did the Nationals option C.J. Abrams?
It appears, though, that Abrams’ demotion might have to do with an off-the-field issue.
I’m a CJ Abrams guy but one day after he was out until 8 AM before a 1 PM local game, the Nats sent him down to the minors.
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) September 21, 2024
This is Mike Rizzo saying “not on this team.” Doesn’t matter if you’re an All-Star. Not something they’ll tolerate. pic.twitter.com/UsbVqpTIii
Grant Paulsen of 106.7 The Fan reports Abrams was out at a casino until 8 a.m. when the Nationals had a 1 p.m. game.
Mark Zuckerman, Nationals reporter for MASN Sports, believes the team optioning Abrams isn’t performance-based.
Nationals announce they’ve optioned CJ Abrams to AAA and recalled Trey Lipscomb. We’ll be hearing from Davey Martinez shortly but I don’t believe it’s performance-based.
— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) September 21, 2024
On the season, Abrams has a .246 batting average, with 20 home runs, 29 doubles, 31 stolen bases, 79 runs scored, and a .747 OPS.
Related: More fuel added to Nationals and Juan Soto reunion rumors in MLB free agency this winter