Nationals to call up top prospect C.J. Abrams

The Washington Nationals are calling up top prospect, shortstop C.J. Abrams from Triple-A Rochester, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Abrams was one of the main prospects the Nationals received in return in the Juan Soto trade with the San Diego Padres.

The Nationals are placing shortstop Luis Garcia to the injured list with a groin injury to make room for Abrams.

Abrams’ call-up comes just as the Nationals closed out a three-game series against Soto and the Padres on Sunday. The Padres selected Abrams No. 6 overall in the 2019 MLB Draft.

The 21-year old Abrams was optioned to Triple-A right after the Aug. 2 trade was made official. However, the club didn’t plan to leave him in the minors for long. His call-up was anticipated to occur in the coming days. But, Garcia’s injury sped up the process.

Last week, Nationals manager Dave Martinez revealed Garcia, who is just 22 years of age, will ultimately shift back to second base where he made his MLB debut, whenever Abrams was brought up. The club views the pair as their middle infield of the future.

Garcia had already been getting work at second in anticipation for Abrams. But, Abrams’ start with Washington will be with Garcia on the IL.

Garcia has recently dealt with a groin injury that’s had him in and out of the lineup. The concern has been with him running, according to Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports. Abrams was pulled from Rochester’s lineup before Sunday’s game.

Abrams made his MLB debut this season while with the Padres. He appeared in 46 games for the Padres, making 28 starts at shortstop. He hit .232/.285/.320 with two home runs and 11 RBI in 139 plate appearances. Defensively he had a .980 fielding percentage at shortstop with two errors while turning eight double plays.

In eight games with the Rochester Red Wings, Abrams hit .290/.343/.355 with two doubles and two RBI. He also had four stolen bases. Now he’s set to make his Nationals debut Monday in front of the home crowd at Nats Park against the Chicago Cubs.