The Washington Nationals have simply eight video games remaining of their season (together with Saturday) and have already been eradicated from playoff rivalry.
In line with a number of stories, All-Star shortstop CJ Abrams began to take a look at from the group early. He was noticed at a Chicago-area on line casino all evening and did not depart till 8 a.m. CT — simply 5 hours earlier than a day sport towards 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 right 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 critical Washington took his offense.
Abrams allegedly broke group curfew by staying out on the Bally On line casino all evening Thursday into Friday, per USA Right this moment’s Bob Nightengale. Washington basic supervisor Mike Rizzo and group 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 inside problem that we’ll preserve within the household,” Rizzo 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 instructed reporters Saturday, by way of ESPN’s Jeff Passan. “It is an inside problem. I am not going to offer specifics.”
Abrams was slashing a poor .203/.260/.326 with 5 residence runs and 17 stolen bases because the All-Star break, together with his protection being an space of concern all 12 months.
He’s set to lose $30,000 of his $752,000 wage for lacking the ultimate week of the season, per ESPN. However he might file a grievance by the gamers affiliation if he feels the demotion is unjust.
Washington is a younger group with a mean clubhouse age of 27. How Washington retains the gamers in line and the way these gamers reply might be crucial half.
Followers may bear in mind Rizzo made an identical transfer with second baseman Luis Garcia Jr. in 2023. He instructed D.C. sports activities radio a 12 months in the past (h/t Federal Baseball) “it was a preparation task,” hinting at Garcia’s immaturity within the huge leagues.
“We wished him to go down there and study a routine, learn to put together for every sport within the huge leagues,” Rizzo stated 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 12 months. Washington wants him on the prime of his sport to assist the group climb again into rivalry.
