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The Washington Nationals have simply eight video games remaining of their season (together with Saturday) and have already been eliminated from playoff contention.
In keeping 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 night time and did not depart 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, which 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 group curfew by staying out on the Bally On line casino all night time Thursday into Friday, per USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. Washington common 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 situation that we’ll maintain 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 instructed reporters Saturday, by way of ESPN’s Jeff Passan. “It is an inside situation. I am not going to present specifics.”
Abrams was slashing a poor .203/.260/.326 with 5 dwelling runs and 17 stolen bases since 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 might file a grievance by the gamers affiliation if he feels the demotion is unjust.
Washington is a younger group with an average clubhouse age of 27. How Washington retains the gamers in line and the way these gamers reply shall be an important half.
Followers would possibly keep in mind Rizzo made an identical transfer with second baseman Luis Garcia Jr. in 2023. He instructed 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 be taught a routine, discover ways 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 high of his sport to assist the group climb again into rivalry.
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