Cabrera keeps hitting, keeps getting starts

MINNEAPOLIS - The Nationals signed Asdrúbal Cabrera to a league minimum deal on Aug. 6 because they needed some short-term help on the right side of the infield. Ryan Zimmerman and Howie Kendrick were both hurt, so the presence of a veteran switch-hitter who could come off the bench and make a start or two at second base and first base was needed.

One month later, Cabrera has turned into a vital part of the Nationals' daily lineup, one of the hottest hitters in the league and suddenly their starting second baseman. Even with everybody else healthy.

"He's going to play," manager Davey Martinez said. "He's swinging the bat really well. I'm glad he's a National again. I love him. He comes every day and he plays hard every day, no matter where I put him. He gives you great at-bats, and he's a clutch hitter."

Cabrera added to his sustained offensive surge during Thursday night's 12-6 win over the Twins, going 2-for-5 with a triple and two RBIs. He has now played 24 games for the Nationals, during which time he is batting .345 with eight doubles, four homers, 29 RBIs and a 1.024 OPS.

All this after he played 93 mostly nondescript games for the Rangers, batting .235 with 15 doubles, 12 homers, 51 RBIs and a .711 OPS.

"I'm just trying every day to do my best at the plate," he said. "I just come in and fight hard, battle every at-bat, every pitch. It's way different when you play for a team that has a big chance to go to the playoffs."

Maybe that's all it took, a return to a contending team after a rough four months with a struggling one. Whatever the case, the 33-year-old looks as productive as ever, having already delivered far more clutch hits for the Nationals than he did during his first brief stint with the organization late in the 2014 season.

Cabrera's surge has come when the Nats have really needed it. Though Kendrick continues to scorch the ball, his longstanding leg injuries prevent him from playing the field every day. And Brian Dozier, who has started 109 games at second base this season, continues to put up modest numbers (19 homers, 45 RBIs, .764 OPS).

Cabrera's calling card has been clutch hits in key spots. He's now batting a stout .472 (17-for-36) with 10 extra-base hits with runners in scoring position since joining the Nationals.

"You know what, I'm doing my stuff," he said. "I try to do my best all the time in the field and I try to help the team to win."

Now he just needs to hold up physically and finish out the season as the unlikeliest member of the Nationals' everyday lineup.

"I've been feeling really good," he said. "I'm just enjoying the opportunity I've got to be on the field and help the team. I'm having fun."