CJ Abrams a Late Scratch From the Washington Nationals' Lineup With Possible Injury

The Washington Nationals will be without their star shortstop Saturday against the Philadelphia Phillies, as CJ Abrams is apparently dealing with a left hand injury.

Apr 4, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams (5) makes a diving stop. / Reggie Hildred-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Nationals have scratched shortstop CJ Abrams from their lineup for Saturday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Abrams was set to lead off the contest, but the team revealed a revised lineup two hours prior to first pitch. Everyone was bumped up a spot, while replacement shortstop Nasim Nuñez slid into the No. 9 hole.

According to The Washington Post's Spencer Nusbaum, the move is likely connected to Abrams' awkward slide into second on Friday. He apparently hurt his left thumb on that play, and many have tied that to his absence Saturday.

CJ Abrams is a late pregame scratch — Nasim Nuñez, who was just taking grounders at SS, will start in his place.

Seemed to be connected to an awkward slide into second yesterday with his thumb.

— Spencer Nusbaum (@spencernusbaum_) April 6, 2024

Abrams was one of the key pieces the Nationals got from the San Diego Padres in exchange for superstar Juan Soto at the 2022 trade deadline. He was a top-10 prospect in baseball entering that season.

As Washington's starting shortstop last year, Abrams hit .245 with 18 home runs, 64 RBI, 47 stolen bases, a .712 OPS and a 3.4 WAR.

Abrams got off to a hot start in 2024, as he has recorded at least one hit in each of his last six appearances. The 23-year-old infielder is batting .312 with two home runs, five RBI, three stolen bases, a .994 OPS and a 0.5 WAR.

It remains to be seen how long Abrams' thumb injury will keep him sidelined.

Following their 4:05 p.m. ET showdown on Saturday, the Nationals and Phillies will close out their series on Sunday at 1:35 p.m. ET. Washington will then hit the road for a three-game series against the San Francisco Giants, followed by an off-day on Thursday.

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