The Washington Nationals are optimistic about welcoming back shortstop C.J. Abrams and veteran pitcher Trevor Williams as they approach the final stretch of the season. Both players have been sidelined due to injuries, but signs indicate that their returns could be imminent.
Abrams, who has been dealing with a shoulder issue, has missed the last four games but has not been placed on the injured list. On Monday, he participated in team drills and took swings in the batting tunnel, although he didn’t engage in batting practice. Manager Dave Martinez noted that while Abrams was available for bench duty, the team wants to ensure he’s completely ready before putting him back in the lineup.
As a key piece of the Nationals’ young core, Abrams is expected to play a vital role as the team looks to build for 2025 and beyond. This season, he has a .239/.308/.427/.735 slash line, hitting 20 home runs and driving in 65 RBIs, underscoring his offensive contribution.
Meanwhile, Trevor Williams has been recovering from a right flexor muscle strain, which has kept him out for most of the season. He recently made a rehab start for Double-A Harrisburg, pitching 4.1 innings and allowing two earned runs while striking out four batters. Following this outing, he is set to throw a bullpen session to gauge his readiness.
If all goes well during his bullpen session, Williams could be activated to pitch against the Chicago Cubs later this week. The 32-year-old has been on the 60-day injured list since September 1, after initially being placed on the 15-day IL on June 4. Before his injury, he was Washington’s most reliable starter, boasting a 5-0 record with a stellar 2.22 ERA over 11 starts.
The Nationals are particularly keen on Williams’ return as they aim to implement a six-man rotation. This strategy would allow the team’s younger pitchers additional rest as they close out the season. Given the injuries the team has faced, adding both Abrams and Williams back into the mix would be a significant boost.
As the season winds down, the Nationals remain focused on the future while trying to finish strong. The potential returns of these two players will be closely monitored, with fans eager to see how their presence impacts the team’s performance.
The organization is taking a cautious approach with both players, ensuring that their health is prioritized as they plan for the coming seasons. With the right steps, the Nationals could position themselves well for a competitive 2025 campaign.