In just a few short weeks, the MLB Playoffs will begin and teams will have a chance to vie for a World Series title. But the Washington Nationals will not be there. With a record of 68-86, sitting 4th place in the National League East, they have officially been eliminated from the playoff picture.
CJ Abrams Demoted to Minors After Casino Trip
The season hasn't ended yet, but perhaps it has for Nationals All-Star shortstop, C.J. Abrams. According to a new report from ESPN's Jeff Passan, the Washington Nationals star was in a Chicago-area casino until the wee hours of the morning.
It would not be an issue under normal circumstances. But it happened on the morning that the Nationals were scheduled to play the Chicago Cubs. As a result the team has demoted Abrams to their minor league affiliate.
"The Washington Nationals demoted All-Star shortstop CJ Abrams to the minor leagues after he stayed out all night at a Chicago-area casino, leaving only hours before a Friday day game against the Chicago Cubs, sources told ESPN's Jesse Rogers," Passan Writes.
"Abrams, 23, led off for the Nationals and went 0-for-3 with a walk and strikeout in Friday's game, which started at 1 p.m. CT. He was informed of the demotion Friday night, sources said. He will be sent to West Palm Beach, home of the Nationals' minor league complex."
Nationals Star Could File Grievance After Demotion
Hopefully Abrams came away with a lot of winnings during his time at the casino. Because the trip could end up being a expensive one for the star shortstop.
Abrams could lose $30,000 after the demotion. That amount usually would be a drop in the bucket for MLB players. But Abrams is only making $752,000.
However, he could file a grievance for the demotion.
"Abrams could, however, file a grievance through the Major League Baseball Players Association to fight for lost pay if he believes the demotion is unjust," Passan added.
"He would lose around $30,000 of his $752,000 salary for missing the season's final week. Abrams will be arbitration-eligible this winter, entering the system for the first of four times as a Super 2."
