NEW YORK – Though he’s out of the Nationals lineup for the fourth straight day, CJ Abrams did partake in more pregame drills than he had since hurting his left shoulder Thursday and should be available off the bench tonight if the team needs him during its series opener against the Mets.
Davey Martinez said Abrams has made progress and wants to return to the lineup, but the manager didn’t want to force the issue just to make it happen tonight.
“We’re just going to be very cautious,” Martinez said. “But he’ll go do some activities out there, and he’ll be available to pinch-hit.”
Abrams participated in infield drills with the rest of the team this afternoon and showed no ill effects of the injury to his non-throwing arm. He took swings in the batting tunnel prior to the team’s official batting practice on the field and looked “OK,” according to Martinez.
“He took quite a few swings in the cage,” the manager said. “I’d like for him to go get ground balls and stuff like that. We’ll keep an eye on him and see how he’s doing.”