Kybert Lewis nearing return:
Keibert Lewis (flu) has not been in the Nationals’ lineup since April 8, when the club was in San Francisco, California. Coach Davey Martinez said the 25-year-old Ruiz is close to returning, but told reporters that the catcher has lost a lot of weight in recent weeks due to an illness.
“He lost about 18 to 20 pounds,” Martinez told D.C. reporters on Sunday.
“He was sick. He stinks. I feel like we’re going through a lot right now.”
Lewis said she’s not too worried about weight loss.
“I feel good. I feel lighter,” he said. Quoted by Mark Zuckerman of MASN on sunday.
Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images
“So I have to look at it positively. I feel like I can run better and move better. And I’m gaining weight faster. I’m going to eat some burgers.”
When informed of Ruiz’s comments about his sudden weight gain, Martinez joked, “If that’s what he wants to say, I won’t say it.” I wouldn’t want to do that. ”
The manager and catcher talked about future plans and the need to fill in some reps for Lewis, who is currently sidelined.
“For me,” Lewis said. But they want me to play a few games there, just two games and then come back. ”
“We are thinking about letting him go to the game,” Martinez admitted.
“We’re just trying to figure out where to send him. Our team is all leaving. Maybe he’ll end up going to Ellie to play, so I’ll be with him after the game. I’m going to talk to you.”
“Just getting his fitness back,” the coach added of the importance of making sure Lewis doesn’t rush back into things.
“That’s our biggest thing — not letting him pull anything. So he’s taking some swings, I saw him in the cage yesterday, he seemed to be in good spirits.
![Philadelphia Phillies v Washington Nationals](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DLwLQ-vsR0M2d8NVHxV4laAQuys=/0x0:4771x3180/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:4771x3180):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25413377/2147636596.jpg)
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“He’s pitching. He’s working together. [Catching & Strategy Coach] henry [Blanco] About catching.
“One, it’s not good for anyone to get sick. Two, you’re sick and you have to watch the ninth inning, which is tough. So before I bring him back, I want him to be sick.” I want to be able to go out and play some games.”
Abrams in the Zone:
“If C.J. had swung at strikes,” the Nats’ GM and director of baseball operations said. Mike Rizzo told Sports Junkies last week.“…He’s as dangerous as anyone. And I think you’re seeing his maturation, he’s hitting better pitches, he’s putting more balls in the corner. – When he barrels the ball, he’s as skinny as he looks on TV, but he’s lean, wiry and very put together like no other when he utilizes a baseball with backspin. The strength of being able to hit the ball far.”
Abrams was hitting four home runs on the year at that point, and had three doubles, two triples, and six walks in 14 games and 64 PA appearances. But that’s the power everyone is talking about.
“When I see him in batting practice, I’m like, ‘Where’s this power coming from?'” Rizzo continued.
“And he’s a good player, but he’s a guy who wants to be great, and we always love that attitude.”
Before Sunday’s game, the Nationals’ public relations department announced that Abrams, who has hit two more home runs, a double and a triple in the past three games, will lead the Astros among major league hitters with a .700 OPS as they enter the final game of the series. He pointed out that he did. (However, as of Thursday morning, he was 1-for-1 with a single and a walk, scoring two runs and falling to second place in a 6-0 win).
Before Game 3 against Houston in D.C., coach Abrams talked about all the SLG from shortstop in early 2024.
“I honestly think, one thing, we’re always talking to him about pitch selection,” Martinez said. He’s not missing any balls that he can drive. But just moving the baseball with him is really, really important. He really puts the bat on the ball. He’s really trying to cut down on his strikeouts. But he’s getting his A swing back and that’s really good for him right now.
“You know, I love the fact that he’s aggressive and loves to hit fastballs. So I said, ‘If a fastball comes and you think you can hit it, just go for it.’ It will probably hit you more times than not. Understand which one you want to attack.
“He’s gotten a lot better at that.”