CJ

Abrams

Abrams left the casino only hours before the Nationals game Friday against the Cubs and subsequently went 0-for-3 with a walk and a strikeout. He was informed of the demotion after the game Friday, according to sources. Abrams is being sent to the Nationals’ minor league complex in West Palm Beach. The demotion won’t impact his service time as he’s already reached the threshold of 172 days on the major league roster for a full year of service time. Abrams is eligible for arbitration for the first time this winter as he’s earned a Super 2 designation.

Well, that settles it. Martinez wouldn’t go into specifics, but it’s clear the organization is sending a message to Abrams with his demotion to the minor leagues as a wake up call of sorts.

It’s official. Maybe the most bizarre instance of a player being sent down this season. Abrams is 10-for-21 (.476) with one home run and three steals in his last six games, which opens the possibility that this move had to do with something off the field. With one day left in the minor league season, there won’t be any games for Abrams to play by the time he gets there. A strange move this late in the season.

Abrams made the All-Star team, but he hit .203/.260/.326 with five home runs and 17 RBI in the second half. It’s a tough way to end the season, but could be a wake up call for the 23-year-old. Abrams is always going to be on the fantasy radar. He still hit 20 home runs and stole 31 bases, which is a solid floor for his value. Abrams needs to hit better than .246 if he’s going to return second or third round value, though.

Abrams now has reached 30 steals on the season — 31 to be exact — and while that’s down from the 47 he picked up in 2023, it’s worth noting that’s in 14 fewer games. The 23-year-old has flashed star potential, and while the .247 average is a little lower than fantasy managers would like, the 20 homers on top of the aforementioned swipes are a reminder that he could be among the very best fantasy players in baseball in the coming seasons.

The Nationals had a nightmare series in New York as they were outscored 22-2 in three games. Abrams accounted for two of their three total hits in this one as they fell behind by nine runs early and dragged their feet for the rest of the game. It’s worth noting that Abrams has only stolen one base since tweaking his shoulder. Perhaps nursing that injury has dampened his aggressiveness on the bases.

Abrams is missing a fourth straight start because of the shoulder injury he suffered Saturday. Nasim Nuñez is filling in at shortstop.

That will make three straight games missed for Abrams after being scratched Friday because of the shoulder injury he suffered Thursday. The 23-year-old should still be considered day-to-day, but it’s that point in the year where day-to-day because a little less likely with so little of the season left. Nasim Nuñez gets the start at shortstop while Abrams gets better.

Nasim Nuñez has replaced him at shortstop against the Marlins, but he’s batting ninth. Abrams had been set to lead off, so now everyone has moved up one spot in his absence.

Abrams crushed a belt-high fastball 420 feet to straight away center off Max Friend for his 20th home run of the season. This was his second long ball in three games, but he only had three total in the second half before Sunday. This hasn’t been the breakout season most were hoping for from Abrams despite the improved power and 28 stolen bases.