19:00 UTC
WASHINGTON — The Nationals should get their first taste of their new wave of talent gained from the blockbuster deal with the Padres in Monday’s series opener against the Cubs.
Shortstop CJ Abrams was called up from Triple-A Rochester for to make his Nationals debut, the club announced. Infielder Luis García has been placed on the 10-day disabled list (retroactive to August 13) with a sprained left groin.
Washington needs a starting shortstop in light of the injury to García, who was feeling discomfort while running.
Abrams, 21, entered this season ranked as the Padres’ top prospect and No. 9 in the standings general by MLB Pipeline.
He made his Major League debut on Opening Day with Fernando Tatis Jr. sidelined with a left wrist injury. Abrams cut .232/.285/.320 with 29 hits, 16 runs, 11 RBIs, two homers and a stolen base in 46 games with San Diego.
The Nationals picked Abrams for the Red Wings after acquiring him to let him acclimate to the organization. He batted .290 with seven runs scored and four stolen bases in eight games before being dropped from the roster on Sunday.
“It’s a lively, nervous type of body that can really run, really playing shortstop, very acrobatic and light on his feet,” general manager Mike Rizzo said of Abrams at The Trade. Deadline. “He has nervous hands and a really fast bat. We see it as a five-tool talent type. He can steal a base from you. He stays at shortstop, he’s got a good arm and [he’s] a guy who can hit the top of any order. »
