Rookie shortstop CJ Abrams went from villain to hero during the Washington Nationals’ 3-2 win over the Atlanta Braves Wednesday night. One at-bat after not hustling down the line on a grounder, Abrams changed any ire towards him into jubilation after delivering his first career walk-off in the tenth inning.
In the eighth inning of a tied game, Abrams hit a bunt single back to Braves pitcher A.J. Minter. Abrams slowed down his stride, assuming he would get thrown out. Yet, Minter’s throw to first was wide, steering Braves first baseman Matt Olson off the bag. Still, the Braves got Abrams out.
The rookie’s lack of effort led to him getting thrown out following a Braves’ challenge.
Any displeasure Martinez or his teammates may have had toward Abrams vanished in his next at-bat.
With runners on second and third in the tenth and facing a 1-2 count, Abrams singled to right field off Jackson Stephens, scoring Alex Call to hand the Nationals the win.
Abram got instant vindication. He finished the night 3-for-5 at the plate.
Washington acquired Abrams from the San Diego Padres in the Juan Soto blockbuster trade. There are high expectations of Abrams being the Nationals shortstop for the next decade-plus.
He’s just 21 years of age. Wednesday night, he highlighted his youth by not hustling down the line. But, he showed the promise he contains for the future by atoning for his mishap with a clutch hit.
