Nationals star CJ Abrams changing position in late-season surprise

The Nationals are shaking up their infield.Washington manager Blake Butera announced the team is planning to move All-Star shortstop CJ Abrams to second base in the near future in hopes of improving the team defensively.Abrams, who was still at shortstop for Friday’s game against the Mets, appeared mum about the move when speaking to reporters.“We’ll see how it goes,” Abrams said, according to The Athletic.Butera, however, insisted that Abrams took the decision well and was a “total pro.”“But he kept saying, like, ‘If this is what’s best for the Nationals, I’m all for it,’” Butera said.“And that was what really made me and made us feel really good, when he said that a few times.”Despite being one of the best offensive players in MLB — posting a slash line of .284/.357/.541 with 29 home runs and a league-leading 91 RBIs headed into Friday’s contest — Abrams, 25, has struggled defensively, ranking last in baseball among all position players in outs above average and runs prevented, according to Baseball Savant.Abrams will remain at shortstop roughly once a week, with defensive specialist Nasim Nuñez shifting over from second base.Although the switch has not happened yet, the two-time All-Star was seen taking reps at second base at Citi Field on Friday.“I play shortstop today, so I’ll be ready to go,” Abrams said ahead of Friday’s game.

“That’s where I’ve been.Can take charge of the infield when I can, and play my game.” With under two months left in the regular season, the timing of the position change comes as a surprise, but Butera said that decision was to help the Nationals win more games down the stretch.

“There is no perfect time to do this,” Butera said.“I think you can make an argument like, ‘Why didn’t we do it coming out of spring training?’ It’s like, well, then we’re not giving him a chance to show if he can do it or not.

Then why not do it now or next year? “We think now is probably t...