The Washington Nationals have a controversy on their hands.
According to ESPN, the Nationals have demoted all-star shortstop CJ Abrams to the minor leagues. Players get sent to the minors to reset after struggling in the big leagues, but that wasn’t the case here.
Abrams stayed out all night in a Chiacgo-are casino, not leaving until just hours before a Friday day game against the Chicago Cubs. Abrams hit leadoff and went 0-for-3 with a strikeout and a walk in the game.
The Nationals Manager, Dave Martinez confirmed the demotion and designated it an internal issue.
Martinez and Abrams had an intense conversation on Friday that included both men crying, and Martinez emphasized his support for the young star to the media.
“For me, it’s about taking care of the person first, and not the player, and I’m going to do everything I can to help him,” Martinez said after the game. “I love the kid. He’s a good kid. He’s going to be back.
“I’m hoping that he understands and that he becomes a better person and understands what his job means here for us, the Nats family. We’re going to get it right, and he’s going to help us win games.”
If Abrams believes he has been wronged by the demotion he could file a grievance for the $30,000 he stands to miss for missing the last week of the MLB regular season.
It’ll be interesting to see if this derails Abrams’ career or if he uses it as an opportunity for growth.
