Photo by Marlene Koenig for TalkNats
Today’s story begins with the Washington Nationals calling up their top prospect per the Baseball America rankings. Yes, CJ Abrams gets the call after Luis Garcia injured his groin and was put on the 15-day IL. Manager Dave Martinez also said that when Garcia returns, he will play at second base rather than shortstop where Abrams will be playing. That move should help the team defense. If you don’t know why, read this article.
For those who were not around on August 1 and 2 at the trade deadline, the Nats acquired Abrams in the Juan Soto/Josh Bell blockbuster trade for Abrams, Luke Voit, the birthday boy Robert Hassell III, MacKenzie Gore (15-day IL), James Wood, and Jarlin Susana.
Abrams, 21, will wear jersey #5 and bat seventh in the batting order. If all goes well, you can expect the speedy Abrams to bat lead-off. The Padres had Abrams at shortstop, second base and the outfield while he was active on their roster this season.
“We want him to stay here, and that’s our goal,” Martinez said about the plan with Abrams after Garcia returns. “Let him do what he does, and then we will start the teaching moments afterwards. We have to get him to stay in the zone, and not chase. We have to show him how to limit his chases.”
Chicago Cubs vs. Washington Nationals
Stadium: Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
1st Pitch: 7:05 pm EDT
TV: MASN2; Marquee Sports Network; MLB App (out-of-network only)
Nats Radio: 106.7 The Fan and via the MLB app
Lineups (subject to change without notice):
