Summarize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs Washington Nationals shortstop C.J. Abrams began the 2024 season as one of the game’s rising young talents. The 24-year-old slashed .268/.343/.489 before the All-Star break, hitting 15 home runs and stealing 10 bases, offering a glimpse into his full potential.Abrams’ promising 2024 season culminated with a selection to the National League All-Star team at midseason. Barely two months later, however, Abrams found himself on a plane to West Palm Beach, Florida as a result of an incident that took place in Chicago on Sept. 21.More news: How CC Sabathia’s Hall of Fame Plaque Will Differ From Other 2025 InducteesThat was the last time Abrams was in a major league clubhouse before Wednesday. Last season ended with Abrams being optioned to the minors after he broke curfew, reportedly lingering at a Chicago casino until 8 a.m. on the day of a game against the Cubs.Washington Nationals GM Mike Rizzo sends a message to All-Star shortstop C.J. Abrams, optioning him to Class A West Palm Beach for the rest of the season after violating curfew in Chicago. @Cody_CHGO reports that he was at a casino until 8 a.m. Friday with a day game 5 hours…— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) September 21, 2024
Speaking to reporters at the Nationals’ spring training complex Wednesday, Abrams sounded determined to begin the new season on a better note as he openly reflected on the incident for the first time since it happened.
Jurickson Profar #10 of the San Diego Padres and CJ Abrams #5 of the Washington Nationals stand on the field during warm ups prior to the 94th All-Star Game at Globe Life Field on July…
Jurickson Profar #10 of the San Diego Padres and CJ Abrams #5 of the Washington Nationals stand on the field during warm ups prior to the 94th All-Star Game at Globe Life Field on July 16, 2024 in Arlington, Texas.
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“I just put it behind me,” Abrams said Wednesday, via Mark Zuckerman of MASNsports.com. “Things happen, and you’ve got to move forward. I’m here now, and I’m excited to get going with the team.”More news: A’s File Permit for Las Vegas Ballpark; Something’s Missing From RenderingsAbrams enters camp as the Nationals’ starting shortstop again, a no-brainer choice after he hit .246 with 20 home runs and 31 stolen bases a year ago. Among his first items of business in 2025, Abrams reported early to camp — another no-brainer decision for a player who must prove his commitment to the team is stronger this year than last.According to Zuckerman, after his unexpected week in West Palm Beach last fall, Abrams returned home to Georgia, “where he embarked on some serious soul-searching and decided how he was going to respond to the team’s disciplinary decision.”More to come on this story from Newsweek Sports.
