On Saturday, All-Star shortstop C.J. Abrams was demoted to the minor leagues by the Washington Nationals for a cause unrelated to his on-field efficiency and isn’t anticipated to play for them the rest of the season.
Nationals supervisor Dave Martinez introduced the weird determination earlier than Saturday’s sport towards the Chicago Cubs.
Second a report from ESPNThe Nationals made the choice after Abrams stayed out all night time at a Chicago-area on line casino Thursday night time and into Friday morning. The report stated Abrams left the on line casino simply hours earlier than the Nationals’ sport towards the Cubs on Friday, which started at 1 p.m. native time. Abrams went 0-for-3 within the sport.
Speaking to reporters Saturday, Martinez didn’t go into specifics, however stated, “I simply need to make it identified that this was not primarily based on efficiency, that is an inside matter. I’m not going to offer specifics or speak about specifics as a result of I have to hold these guys and every thing underneath wraps. There are different guys on the market that I need to help. I’m going to help C.J. He’s a giant a part of our Nats household and he shall be. At this level, to me, it is the fitting factor to do.”
This season Abrams has a batting common of .246 with 20 house runs, 65 RBI and 31 stolen bases.
The determination to choice Abrams to Triple-A Rochester will price the participant $18,885. His contract requires a wage of $752,400 within the main leagues and $362,100 within the minor leagues, and he’ll obtain the decrease pay for the ultimate 9 days of the 186-day season.
Rochester didn’t qualify for the International League playoffs and can play its ultimate sport Sunday. Martinez stated Abrams is not going to play for the Red Wings and can fly to Washington after which journey to the crew’s coaching complicated in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Martinez stated he spoke with Abrams for a big period of time Friday and known as it an emotional dialog, throughout which the 2 cried collectively. Martinez has repeatedly emphasised his help for Abrams, who turns 24 on Oct. 3.
“For me, it is about taking good care of the individual first, not the participant, and I’ll do every thing I can to assist him,” Martinez stated. “I really like the man. He’s a very good man. He’ll be again.”
Acquired from San Diego within the August 2022 commerce that despatched Juan Soto to the Padres, Abrams batted .268 with 15 house runs and 48 RBI earlier than the All-Star break however .203 with 5 house runs and 17 RBI since. He was batting .271 in September.
“I hope he understands and turns into a greater individual, and understands what his job right here means to us, the Nats household,” Martinez stated. “We’re going to do issues proper, and he will assist us win video games.”
Infielder Trey Lipscomb has been recalled from Rochester.
