Nationals Demote All-Star CJ Abrams to Minors After Casino All-Nighter

The Washington Nationals demoted All-Star shortstop CJ Abrams to the minor leagues after he stayed out all night at a Chicago-area casino, leaving only hours before a Friday day game against the Chicago Cubs, according to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers.

Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams was sent to the club’s minor league complex after casino visit

Abrams, 23, led off for the Nationals and went 0-for-3 with a walk and strikeout in Friday’s game, which started at 1 p.m. CT. He will now be sent to West Palm Beach, Florida, home of the Nationals’ minor league complex. Nationals manager Dave Martinez confirmed the demotion.

“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 Nationals’ 5-1 victory over the Cubs. “I love the kid. He’s a good kid. He’s going to be back.”

Since Abrams has been with Washington for the entirety of the season, the demotion will not affect his service time. MLB players earn a full year of service with 172 days on the major league roster.

Of course, Abrams already has exceeded that threshold.

According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Abrams could file a grievance through the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) to fight for lost pay if he believes the demotion is unjust. Additionally, he would lose around $30,000 of his $752,000 salary for missing the season’s final week.

Washington manager Dave Martinez hopes Abrams will learn from this event and become a better person

The Athletic’s Britt Ghiroli first reported the Nationals were optioning Abrams to the minors. Martinez also added that Abrams’ situation is an opportunity for growth for him.

“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,” Martinez said. “We’re going to get it right, and he’s going to help us win games.”

Through the Nationals’ first 89 games, Abrams turned a breakout first half into an All-Star selection after hitting .268/.343/.489 with 15 home runs and 15 stolen bases.

However, in 49 games since the break, Abrams is only hitting .203/.260/.326 with five homers and 16 stolen bases.

Washington has already been eliminated from playoff contention with a 69-87 record. The Nationals’ Triple-A team, based in Rochester, New York, has already concluded its season.