The Nationals announced in mid-August that shortstop CJ Abrams would transition to second base. The two-time All-Star has had a stellar season at the plate, but he’s been among the worst defenders in the league. Manager Blake Butera further clarified the plan this week, telling reporters (including Spencer Nusbaum of The Athletic) that Abrams would split his time evenly between shortstop and second base to close the season.
Abrams injured his ankle against the Rangers around the time of the position switch announcement. He missed a handful of games and was limited to DH duties when he returned. Abrams debuted at second base last weekend. He played a clean game at the keystone, including an acrobatic catch on a pop-up over his head. Abrams made a start at both second base and shortstop in a two-game set against the Braves this week. He played both spots last night in Los Angeles, starting at second base then moving to shortstop after Jorbit Vivas pinch-hit for Nasim Nunez.
It’s no mystery why the Nats are looking for a new defensive home for Abrams. He ranks in the first percentile in Statcast’s Outs Above Average metric. He’s second-to-last among qualified fielders at -16 OAA, just ahead of Giants shortstop Willy Adames. Defensive Runs Saved is more charitable, but still not great. Abrams is at -2 DRS this season, after posting -6 DRS in 2025.
The early returns at second base have been positive. Abrams has posted 1 DRS in 25 innings at the position. He was a neutral defender in 66 innings at second base with the Padres back in 2022.
Nunez is a more than competent replacement at shortstop. He’s put together a tremendous defensive season, racking up 18 DRS between the two middle infield spots, with most of his production coming at second base. He’s top 10 among all fielders in that metric. Nunez has been a negative at shortstop by OAA this year, but he’s a plus defender at the position for his career.
There are no question marks about Abrams at the plate. He has a career-best 126 wRC+ as the engine of one of the league’s highest-scoring offenses. The 25-year-old is one homer and three steals away from his first 30/30 campaign. Washington rebuffed trade offers for Abrams in the offseason. He’s now the cornerstone of an improving team with a promising young core of hitters.
Here are a few more items from the Nationals…
Lefty Connelly Early completed a 30-pitch bullpen on Thursday, per Kyle Williams of the Baltimore Banner. Early is working his way back from an elbow injury. He was moved to the 60-day IL in late August. The young lefty came over to the Nats in the trade that sent infielder Curtis Mead to Boston. The move hasn’t paid dividends for either team yet. Early hasn’t pitched since late June. Mead broke his wrist in his second at-bat with the Red Sox and hasn’t played since. Right-hander Josiah Gray moved his rehab to Double-A this week. He tossed an inning with Harrisburg on Wednesday. Arm injuries have limited Gray to 42 1/3 innings over the past three seasons. He’s currently recovering from a right flexor strain. Gray told reporters, including Mark Zuckerman of Nats Journal, that he could return to the Nats as a reliever by the end of the season. Righty Cade Cavalli is expected to start tonight against the Dodgers. He was removed from his last appearance after getting hit in the leg by a comebacker. Cavalli fired four hitless innings before the injury. The abbreviated appearance ended a streak of nine straight quality starts. Cavalli will match up against Tyler Glasnow in the second game of the series.Photo courtesy of Brad Mills, Imagn Images
Hence then, the article about nationals notes abrams early gray was published today ( ) and is available on MLBtraderumors ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Nationals Notes: Abrams, Early, Gray )
Also on site :