WASHINGTON — The Nationals are slated to get a first glimpse at their new wave of talent acquired from the blockbuster deal with the Padres in Monday’s series opener against the Cubs.
Shortstop CJ Abrams will be called up from Triple-A Rochester to make his debut with the Nationals, a source confirmed to MLB.com on Sunday. Dan J. Glickman from Pickin’ Splinters first reported the news. The Nationals have not confirmed their plans.
Washington is in need of a starting shortstop with Luis García dealing with a sore groin. The 22-year-old feels discomfort when he runs.
Abrams, 21, entered this season ranked as the Padres’ top prospect and No. 9 overall by MLB Pipeline.
He made his Major League debut on Opening Day with Fernando Tatis Jr. sidelined by a left wrist injury. Abrams slashed .232/.285/.320 with 29 hits, 16 runs, 11 RBIs, two home runs and one stolen base in 46 games with San Diego.
The Nationals optioned Abrams to the Red Wings after they acquired him to let him get acclimated with the organization. He batted .290 with seven runs scored and four stolen bases in eight games before being pulled from the lineup on Sunday.
“He’s a tooled-up, twitchy type of live-body guy that can really run, really play shortstop, very acrobatic and light on his feet,” general manager Mike Rizzo said of Abrams at the Trade Deadline. “He’s got twitchy hands and really a quick bat. We see him as a five-tool type of talent. He can steal you a base. He stays at shortstop, he’s got a good arm and [he is] a guy that can hit at the top of any order.”
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