Abrams takes the top spot:
The Nationals are looking to hire the Pirates’ right-hand man (Luis OrtizIn Game 1 of the 2019 season at PNC Park last night, C.J. Abrams returned to the top of the batting order after batting sixth or seventh in the previous five games, looking to break out of a long slump.
Abrams, (In 39 games in the second half of the season, he recorded 26 hits in 150 at-bats, a .173 batting average, .233 on-base percentage, .267 slugging percentage, 5 doubles, 3 home runs, 8 walks, and 38 strikeouts.) was just 2 for 26 (.077/.111/.077 in his last seven games) entering the second of four games in Pittsburgh, and manager Davey Martinez said it was a good opportunity to get the shortstop to throw some fastballs.
“It’s a good matchup for him,” Martinez explained, “we’re going to put him out there because he throws a good fastball, and I wanted to get him up to bat. [Dylan] We lowered the crew a little bit to give him a little bit of relaxation.”
Photo: Rich Story/Getty Images
“Tonight was the night we wanted to get Abrams back on the mound,” the manager added. “Let’s see if we can throw him a fastball.”
Cruz, the Nationals’ 22-year-old rookie, has been the leadoff hitter in the past seven games since Abrams was removed, slashing 6-for-30 (.200/.273/.433) with one double and two home runs during that time. In the four games prior to that, he was 2-for-16 (.125/.263/.125).
“I think he’s doing well,” Martinez said of Cruz’s play so far. “He’s getting hits. Like I said, this is just to give him a little bit of a break, let him relax and see the pitches. But he’s one of those really talented young hitters. You know, he’s being watched very closely. I just want to make sure he’s doing everything right.”
“And honestly, we’re just trying to get him to have success. But he’s doing well. He’s doing really well. I love watching him play. He’s very intelligent. His outfield moves are really good. He’s working really well at the plate and he sees the pitches. So, he’s going to be a good player.”
When he first entered the major leagues (Out of 9 games), Martinez said he was keeping a close eye on Cruz.2nd overall pick in 2023), they will get the records on him and adjust to the league as they adjust how they attack him each night.
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Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images
He’s trying to put Cruz in a position to be successful every night.
“It’s all about matchups right now,” he said. “A lot of guys seem to be beating him with their sliders, and guys with good rising fastballs are beating him with their rising fastballs. So it’s just about him being prepared early and swinging at strikes.”
“If he starts chasing, that’s something we’ll have to look out for because he’s really good, he’s got a good eye.
“Every day is a different challenge for him, but he’s learning. What I’m happy for is that he’s here now and he’s getting a chance to experience the league a little bit and see some stuff. So once he gets a feel for what they’re trying to do with him, he’ll be fine.”
Waiver of Claims:
Before last night’s game, the Nationals announced a waiver claim, reporting on X/Twitter that they had acquired right-handed relief pitcher Michael Rucker from Philadelphia on outright waivers.
The Nationals acquired right-handed pitcher Michael Rucker off waivers from the Philadelphia Phillies, with Travis Blankenhorn designated for assignment. The Nationals’ 40-man roster remains at 40 players.
— Nationals Communications (@NationalsComms) September 6, 2024
“As a result, Travis Blankenhorn has been designated to be designated for assignment,” the team added in the post, noting that Rucker has been assigned to Triple-A Rochester.
The 30-year-old Rucker Chicago CubsHe was an 11th-round pick in 2016 and later selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the 2019 Rule 5 Draft, before returning to the Cubs in March 2020, but his contract expired. Phillies In February of this year.
He appeared in 96 major league games with the Cubs from 2021-2023, including 96 appearances in relief, posting a 4.96 ERA in 123 at-bats. 1⁄3 IP.
“What I remember about him is his time with the Cubs. He pitched in the major leagues with the Cubs. Good fastball, good curveball, changeup-slider combination,” Nationals manager Davey Martinez told reporters about joining the team.
“I haven’t seen him pitch much this year, but I still feel like he has value because he has the ability to throw a fastball in the mid-90s.”
“It’s a good opportunity to see him in Triple-A for a little bit and see how he plays.”
News reports a few weeks ago suggested Rucker could have a shot at the major leagues if he performed well in Rochester.
“I think we’re looking a little further ahead than this year, but we don’t know what our needs are going to be,” Martinez said.
