All-Star shortstop CJ Abrams was demoted to the minor leagues by the Washington Nationals on Saturday for what manager Dave Martinez said was an internal problem.
Abrams is not expected to play for the major league team for the remainder of the season.
“I’m not going to give any details or talk about specifics because I have to keep these guys and everything on the down low,” Martinez said before National’s victory with 5-1 over the kids. “I’ve got other guys out there that I want to support. I’m going to support CJ. He’s a big part of our Nats family, and he will be. At this point, it’s the right thing for me to do.”
Abrams, who turns 24 on Oct. 3, is hitting .246 with 20 homers, 65 RBIs and 31 stolen bases.
The decision to option Abrams to Triple-A Rochester will cost the player $18,885. His contract calls for a salary of $752,400 while in the majors and $362,100 in the minors, and he will receive the lower salary of the last nine days of the 186-day season.
Brodie Van Wageen, Abrams’ agent, declined comment.
Rochester did not qualify for the International League postseason and plays its final game on Sunday. Martinez said Abrams will not play for the Red Wings. He will fly to Washington and then travel to the team’s practice complex in West Palm Beach, Florida.