Abrams sits again but close to returning; Williams likely to start in Chicago

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.”

Abrams hasn’t played since Thursday’s game against the Marlins, when he made a diving stop of a grounder to his left. Though he finished out the game at shortstop, he was scratched from Friday’s lineup when he complained of a sore shoulder. Club officials have referred to the injury as an “impingement” and haven’t been overly concerned about the severity of it.

With only two weeks to go in the season, the Nationals could in theory decide to shut the All-Star down and not take any chances. But he also enjoyed a brief hot streak at the plate before getting hurt – two homers and a double in his last four games – and would like a chance to close out the season on a high note after slumping through most of the second half.

“For me, it’s about him getting through the rest of the year healthy. That’s the biggest thing for me,” Martinez said. “Then he can start his winter program. But he wants to play. He’s itching to get back in there. He started swinging the bat well again. So he’s doing everything he can with trainers and our strength guys to get back on the field.”

* Trevor Williams rejoined the club for this road trip after making a rehab start Sunday for Double-A Harrisburg and appears on track to come off the injured list this weekend.

The veteran right-hander, out since May 30 with a flexor strain in his elbow, threw 4 1/3 innings in his second rehab start, allowing two runs and striking out four while totaling 73 pitches. He’s scheduled to throw off a bullpen mound while the Nats are in New York, which would then set him up to start against the Cubs at Wrigley Field, possibly on Friday.

If things go according to plan, Williams would make two big league starts before season’s end. And with the club going to a six-man rotation, rookies Mitchell Parker and DJ Herz would each get a week’s worth of rest before making their final starts of the season next week against the Royals.