Nationals calling up top prospect C.J. Abrams, key piece to Juan Soto trade
The Washington Nationals shocked the baseball world earlier this month, trading away star Juan Soto in a blockbuster trade with the San Diego Padres.
Less than two weeks later, one of the key pieces acquired in the deal is ready to make his Nationals' debut.
According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, the Nationals are calling shortstop and top prospect C.J. Abrams up to the big leagues.
Abrams and starting pitcher MacKenzie Gore were deemed the most major-league ready out of the haul the Nationals received in exchange for Soto and All-Star first baseman Josh Bell.
Drafted sixth overall in 2019 by the Padres, Abrams made his major league debut for the Friars earlier this year. In 46 games, Abrams batted .232/.285/.320 with two home runs and 11 RBI.
Abrams has been with the Nationals' Triple-A affiliate Rochester since the trade. In eight games with Rochester, Abrams went 9-for-29 while slashing .290/.343/.355.
The call-up of Abrams likely means a stint on the injured list is on tap for infielder Luis Garcia.
On Saturday, manager Dave Martinez said Garcia was day-to-day after leaving Friday night's game with left groin tightness.
The 22-year-old is batting .289/.301/.417 with four home runs and 25 RBI in 60 games for the Nationals this season.
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