CJ Abrams DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

The Washington Nationals announced on Thursday that they reinstated shortstop CJ Abrams (hip) from the 10-day injured list and optioned infielder Trey Lipscomb to Triple-A Rochester in a corresponding move. Fantasy managers will want to check back a bit later to see if Abrams is back in the starting lineup for Thursday's contest against the visiting Baltimore Orioles at Nationals Park. The 24-year-old will be rejoining the big-league roster since landing on the IL back on April 12 due to a right hip-flexor strain. In two minor-league rehab games with Triple-A Rochester, Abrams went hitless in four at bats with two walks. Before tweaking his hip stealing a base, Abrams was hitting .244 (10-for-41) in the early going in 2025 with four home runs, two doubles, seven RBI and four stolen bases in 11 games. Get Abrams back into all starting fantasy lineups if he's active on Thursday, which he should be.UPDATE: Abrams is at shortstop and batting leadoff on Thursday against Orioles left-hander Cade Povich.

Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams (hip) is starting his minor-league rehab assignment on Tuesday with the Double-A Harrisburg Senators. Abrams is eligible to return from the 10-day injured list on Tuesday, but he won't be ready to return to face the Baltimore Orioles just yet this week. However, if the 24-year-old shortstop looks good in a game or two in the minors, he could be back by Thursday's series finale against the O's. He's trying to recover from a minor right hip-flexor strain. When the former first-rounder returns to the Nats lineup, he'll be carrying a .244/.289/.583 slash line, .874 OPS, four home runs, seven RBI, four stolen bases and six runs scored in his first 41 at-bats of 2025. With Abrams on the shelf, Washington has been using Nasim Nunez as their fill-in at the 6, but he's gone just 4-for-22 in limited action with no homers, two RBI and two steals.

Washington Nationals infielder CJ Abrams (hip) was able to run on the field prior to Tuesday's contest. Abrams was placed on the 10-day injured list due to a right hip flexor strain on April 12 but appears to already be making significant progress. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progression as he could be activated on his earliest return date, April 22. Before his injury, the 24-year-old flashed his power upside as he held a .244/.289/.585 slash line with two doubles and four long balls across just 11 games. During this stretch, Abrams swiped four bags and scored six runs. Fantasy managers should expect the former top prospect to return to his typical spot at the top of the lineup when he is cleared to return. While he is out, Amed Rosario, Trey Lipscomb, and Nasim Nunez should continue to share time at shortstop.