In a shocking move, the Washington Nationals announced on Saturday that they would option shortstop CJ Abrams to Triple-A. The move was made with just over a week left in the regular season. Nationals manager Dave Martinez said that Abrams’ demotion is not performance-related, according to multiple sources. In a corresponding move, the ballclub recalled Trey Lipscomb from Triple-A for the final week of the season.
Davey Martinez confirmed CJ Abrams’ demotion was not performance-based but would not confirm any other details. Said Abrams will go to West Palm Beach and work out this final week with a few other AAA guys who are staying in shape in case they’re needed.
— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) September 21, 2024
Nationals Option Shortstop CJ Abrams to Triple-A in Shocking Move
Martinez confirmed in a press conference that Abrams’ demotion was not performance-based, but he would not confirm any other details. Washington’s manager also said that the shortstop is “a big part of the family now and going forward.” Abrams will now go to West Palm Beach and spend this final week with other Triple-A players.
The reason for the demotion was later made clear: Abrams had stayed out all night at a casino, leaving mere hours before Friday’s day game against the Chicago Cubs, sources told ESPN’s Jesse Rogers.
The Washington Nationals demoted shortstop C.J. Abrams to the minor leagues because he stayed out all night at a Chicago casino before a day game against the Cubs, sources told @JesseRogersESPN.
Here’s the news story, free at ESPN: https://t.co/m3euZiVHEO— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) September 21, 2024
Abrams, 23, has been the star player on the Nationals for the past couple of seasons and was named to the National League All-Star team in 2024. However, he struggled offensively and defensively in the second half of the season. Despite these struggles, the shortstop still leads the team with 20 home runs and 133 hits this year, while recording 65 RBI and 31 stolen bases.
Abrams had returned to the lineup this past Tuesday after missing four games due to a shoulder injury. The shortstop then returned for four games, going 7-for-14 at the plate, including four hits on Thursday against the Cubs.
Lipscomb, 24, will begin his fifth stint in the majors in his rookie season. The infielder made his major league debut for the Nationals back on March 30. He has hit .207 with a home run, 10 RBI, three doubles, 16 walks, 11 stolen bases, and 20 runs for Washington. In Triple-A, Lipscomb hit .283 with four homers, 35 RBI, 14 doubles, 22 walks, eight stolen bases, and 31 runs.
Photo Credit: © Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
