The Nationals confirmed their concerns Friday morning when an MRI revealed CJ Abrams has a right hip flexor strain. The shortstop has been placed on the 10-day injured list.
“After last night’s game, we got him an MRI and it showed a minor strain,” said manager Davey Martinez. “I told him it’s best to let it calm down now so it doesn’t turn into something worse. Hopefully, in about 10 days, he’ll be ready.”
Abrams had already missed two games earlier this week with what was originally thought to be thigh tightness. The injury occurred during a defensive play late in Sunday’s win over Arizona. Abrams later clarified the issue was actually with his hip. He aggravated it again Thursday night while stealing second base and later while fielding a grounder, which led to his removal from the game.
Paul DeJong took over at shortstop, and Amed Rosario stepped in at third base, hitting leadoff.
Though the team wasn’t initially worried, they’re now being cautious with the injury. Martinez is optimistic Abrams won’t be out long.
“It’s not too bad,” he said. “It mainly bothers him when fielding, not hitting, so we’ll give him treatment and build back his strength.”
Abrams, 24, was off to a strong start this season, batting .244 with four homers, seven RBIs, and four stolen bases through 11 games.
“He wants to play every day,” Martinez said. “But this has flared up twice now, so we want him fully healed before he’s back for good.”
In a corresponding move, the Nationals called up Nasim Nuñez from Triple-A Rochester. Nuñez was hitting .192 over 10 games, but Martinez is confident in his defensive abilities and said he’ll get playing time once he’s settled in.
For now, DeJong will handle most of the shortstop duties, with Rosario and José Tena covering third. Nuñez will provide depth.
“We have guys in the middle of the order producing,” Martinez said. “So we’ll need them to step up while CJ’s out.”
Lowe Returns to Action
First baseman Nathaniel Lowe is back in the lineup after missing Friday’s game due to illness. He did manage to pinch-hit late and delivered a clutch three-run double but was immediately replaced by a pinch-runner.
Now feeling better, Lowe is the designated hitter today and batting cleanup, while Josh Bell starts again at first base.
“He’s not 100%, but he feels good enough to DH,” Martinez said.
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