Abrams back in lineup, Rosario could miss couple days

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. – CJ Abrams is back in the Nationals lineup, with no apparent lingering concerns after departing Wednesday’s game in the first inning.

Abrams is leading off and starting at shortstop for this afternoon’s game against the Rays, the first leg of a rare overnight spring training trip for the Nats, who brought most of their regulars for these games in Port Charlotte and North Port (home of the Braves).

The 2024 All-Star led off the bottom of the first Wednesday with a triple into the right field corner, but departed two batters later with cramps in both of his quadriceps muscles. Manager Davey Martinez said at the time he wasn’t overly concerned and that Abrams would be making the road trip regardless.

Sure enough, he’s here and back in his usual role today, provided he makes it through pregame drills with no issues.

“He’s going to do everything and see how it goes,” Martinez said. “But he said he feels fine.”

Amed Rosario did not make the trip, but the veteran utilityman wasn’t originally scheduled to come. Rosario was scratched from Wednesday’s lineup after reporting soreness in his right knee during pregame defensive drills.

“By the end of the day yesterday, they said he felt a lot better,” Martinez said. “He did have a little swelling, but he said it wasn’t terrible. He had great strength, so maybe just a couple days off his feet.”

With the team on the road through Friday, Rosario could potentially return to play Saturday evening when the Nats are home against the Mets.

Signed this winter for $2 million, Rosario is assured a spot on the Opening Day roster and is expected to back up at second base, shortstop and third base, while also having the ability to play the outfield if needed. With Alex Call in good shape to be the fourth outfielder and either Riley Adams or Drew Millas the second catcher, there’s only one more spot on the bench up for grabs entering the home stretch of spring training.

Martinez admitted today it could be a tricky decision for him and general manager Mike Rizzo, with four candidates who each bring something different to the table.

José Tena would provide a left-handed complement to Paul DeJong at third base. Juan Yepez would provide a right-handed contact bat and the versatility to play the corner infield and outfield positions. Andrés Chaparro would provide a right-handed power bat but less defensive value. And Nasim Nuñez would provide solid defense at shortstop or second base, but most importantly a top pinch-running candidate in case Martinez wants to sub out Josh Bell, Nathaniel Lowe or Keibert Ruiz late in a game.

“The 26th man is going to be interesting,” the manager said. “When you look at it, there’s really no (regulars who need to be) pinch-hit. We’ll see. I’m going to sit down with Riz next week and go over some different things that we might want to do. But for the most part, the (regulars) are going to play. We’ll have some guys who will have a chance to start some days. … We’ll see how it all shakes out. I always say at the end of the day, it all works itself out.”