The Washington Nationals have simply eight video games remaining of their season (together with Saturday) and have already been eradicated from playoff rivalry.
Based on a number of reviews, All-Star shortstop CJ Abrams began to take a look at from the workforce early. He was noticed at a Chicago-area on line casino all night time and did not go away till 8 a.m. CT — simply 5 hours earlier than a day sport in opposition to the Chicago Cubs on Friday. CHGO’s Cody Delmendo was first to report the sighting.
Abrams led off in Friday’s sport, going 0-for-3 with a stroll and a strikeout. Simply over 24 hours later, the Nationals optioned Abrams to the minor leagues in an obvious type of punishment.
Triple-A Rochester, the place the 23-year-old was despatched all the way down to, ends its season on Sunday, that means Abrams will not be enjoying any baseball for the rest of September. That is an indication of how severe Washington took his offense.
Abrams allegedly broke workforce curfew by staying out on the Bally On line casino all night time Thursday into Friday, per USA Right this moment’s Bob Nightengale. Washington normal supervisor Mike Rizzo and workforce supervisor Davey Martinez despatched a robust message to the remainder of the clubhouse with how they dealt with Abrams’ breach.
“We’re all conscious of the report, however past that it’s an inner challenge that we are going to preserve within the household,” Rizzo mentioned about Abrams being sighted on the on line casino, per The Athletic’s Britt Ghiroli.
“I simply need it to be identified it wasn’t performance-based,” Martinez informed reporters Saturday, by way of ESPN’s Jeff Passan. “It is an inner challenge. I am not going to present specifics.”
Abrams was slashing a poor .203/.260/.326 with 5 residence runs and 17 stolen bases because the All-Star break, along with his protection being an space of concern all yr.
He’s set to lose $30,000 of his $752,000 wage for lacking the ultimate week of the season, per ESPN. However he may file a grievance via the gamers affiliation if he feels the demotion is unjust.
Washington is a younger workforce with a median clubhouse age of 27. How Washington retains the gamers in line and the way these gamers reply might be an important half.
Followers may bear in mind Rizzo made the same transfer with second baseman Luis Garcia Jr. in 2023. He informed D.C. sports activities radio a yr in the past (h/t Federal Baseball) “it was a preparation project,” hinting at Garcia’s immaturity within the massive leagues.
“We wished him to go down there and study a routine, learn to put together for every sport within the massive leagues,” Rizzo mentioned final September. “He went down there and has actually tightened up.”
The Nationals will hope that this stint — albeit transient and baseball-less — will assist Abrams tighten himself up in preparation for subsequent yr. Washington wants him on the prime of his sport to assist the workforce climb again into rivalry.
