The first ball put in play last night was hit CJ Abrams’ way, and the Washington Nationals’ new, 21-year-old shortstop, acquired from the San Diego Padres in the Juan Soto/Josh Bell deal at the deadline, and called up on Monday, ranged to his left, fielded the grounder off Chicago Cubs’ leadoff man Nick Madrigal’s bat and hit Luke Voit’s glove at first base with a strike.
It was an early test for the 2019 1st Round pick in his debut in the nation’s capital.
Going into the game, Abrams’ new manager, Davey Martinez, said the shortstop was excited to get the game started and return to the majors after debuting with the Padres earlier this year.