Nationals GM Mike Rizzo says long-term view of CJ Abrams is unchanged despite demotion
Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo says his long-term view of CJ Abrams has not changed after the team’s decision to demote the All-Star shortstop last week
WASHINGTON (AP) — Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said Friday his long-term view of CJ Abrams has not changed after the team’s decision to demote the All-Star shortstop last week.
Abrams was optioned to Triple-A Rochester on Saturday for the final nine days of the regular season for what the team described as an internal matter. The 23-year-old reported to Washington’s training complex in West Palm Beach, Florida, this week.
“He’s still our guy,” Rizzo said during an end-of-season conversation with reporters. “We love him and he’s going to be a great player for us. Optioning him out wasn’t the end of the world. We have a standard here and we have to keep people accountable. He still has a great upside and still in our minds is going to be a great major league shortstop.”
Abrams hit .246 with 20 homers, 65 RBIs and 31 steals in 138 games this season, earning his first All-Star selection in July.
