Nationals shift CJ Abrams from shortstop to second base, says manager Blake Butera
Manager Blake Butera announced that CJ Abrams will move to second base for the remainder of the season, with Nasim Nuñez slated to take over shortstop.
Washington Nationals manager Blake Butera revealed that the club will shift CJ Abrams from shortstop to second base for the rest of the campaign. In Abrams' stead, Nasim Nuñez is projected to assume the shortstop duties, while the organization’s farm system may also promote prospect Seaver King to the position. Abrams, 25, has delivered a powerful offensive season with a.284/.357/.541 line, 29 homers, 23 doubles, 23 steals and a league-leading 91 RBI, yet his defensive performance at shortstop has been subpar, leading MLB shortstops in errors and posting negative defensive runs saved and outs above average figures.
By contrast, Nuñez, 23, has spent most of the year at second base, posting positive defensive metrics there and leading the majors with 40 stolen bases, though his batting average sits at.230. The move aims to capitalize on Abrams' hitting while improving the infield defense.
Why it matters
The position change could boost the Nationals' defense while keeping Abrams' offensive production in the lineup.
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