As the Washington Nationals enter the final two weeks of their season, they’re optimistic about the return of shortstop C.J. Abrams and starting pitcher Trevor Williams.
Abrams has missed the past few games due to a shoulder issue, while Williams has been sidelined for much of the season with a flexor muscle strain.
According to MASN Sports, Abrams increased his baseball activities on Monday as he recovers from what the team describes as an impingement in his non-throwing shoulder. He’s not on the injured list but has been out for the past four games.
On Monday, the All-Star infielder participated in team drills and hit in the batting tunnel but did not take part in batting practice. Manager Dave Martinez said he’s looking for a bit more from Abrams before reinstating him in the lineup, though he was available off the bench but wasn’t used.
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Despite the limited time left in the season, the Nationals are being careful with Abrams, seeing him as a key piece in their future core. This season, Abrams has posted a .239/.308/.427 slash line with 20 home runs and 65 RBIs.
Meanwhile, Williams made his latest rehab start on Sunday for Double-A Harrisburg, throwing 4.1 innings, allowing two earned runs on five hits, striking out four, and walking one. This is expected to be his final rehab outing. He has rejoined the Nationals for their current road trip and is slated for a bullpen session this week. If all goes well, he could be activated in time to face the Chicago Cubs later this week, as reported by MASN.
Williams, 32, has been on the 60-day injured list with a right flexor strain, having been moved there on September 1. Originally placed on the 15-day IL on June 4, he’s been eligible to return since early September.
Prior to his injury, Williams was Washington’s top-performing starter, boasting a 5-0 record in 11 starts with a 2.22 ERA, 47 strikeouts, and 16 walks over 47.2 innings. The Nationals hope to have him make at least one or two starts before the season ends, potentially using a six-man rotation to give their young starters extra rest down the stretch.
