The Washington Nationals are set to open up a new series in MLB against the Colorado Rockies this week
Washington has slipped out of playoff contention with a rough losing skid since the All-Star break, but the schedule must go on.
Before the series opener against the Rockies, the Nationals announced their game one lineup, which features an interesting CJ Abrams decision.
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CJ Abrams Batting Leadoff, DHing for Rockies Series Opener
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 16: CJ Abrams #5 of the Washington Nationals completes a fifth inning double play after forcing out Bo Bichette #19 of the New York Mets at Citi Field on August 16, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
CJ Abrams has been absent from the Washington Nationals’ batting order for the past four games as he’s battled a nagging injury, but luckily, Abrams dodged an IL stint and is back in the lineup on Monday after a few days off.
However, instead of playing shortstop like he usually does, Abrams is the DH on Monday against the Rockies.
Here is the full Nationals order for 8/24, per @UnderdogMLB:
Nationals 8/24: “C. Abrams DH A. Ortiz 1B D. Crews RF D. Lile LF B. House 3B K. Ruiz C J. Young CF J. Vivas 2B N. Nuñez SS C. Cavalli SP”
C. Abrams DH A. Ortiz 1B D. Crews RF D. Lile LF B. House 3B K. Ruiz C J. Young CF J. Vivas 2B N. Nuñez SS
C. Cavalli SP
Nasim Nuñez, who is expected to start seeing more reps at the position, is at shortstop for the series opener, and Dylan Crews gets the start in right field, while Keibert Ruiz is forming a battery with Cade Cavalli.
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Looking at CJ Abrams’ All-Star Campaign
GettyWASHINGTON, DC – AUGUST 11: CJ Abrams #5 of the Washington Nationals celebrates with Brady House #12 after hitting a two run home run against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Nationals Park on August 11, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
CJ Abrams has had a stellar 2026 campaign thus far, and it’s good news for the Nationals that his recent ankle injury was not too serious and didn’t derail the rest of his season.
Abrams has solidified himself as one of the best-hitting shortstops in MLB, and was honored by being named to his second All-Star appearance.
He has played in 124 games with the Nationals this season and carries a bWAR of 4.6 with 29 home runs, 25 doubles, 91 RBI, and an OPS+ of 140.
The home runs, RBIs, and OPS+ are all career highs for Abrams.
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Washington Nationals Announced CJ Abrams Decision Before Rockies Game