Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams enters Wednesday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates ranked top five in multiple offensive categories
The pitching has been under the microscope for the Washington Nationals this season, but that's also partly tied to the sustained offense to open the 2026 regular season.
Through 17 games, the Nationals have scored at least five runs in all but four games with Washington entering Wednesday's game ranked tied with the Minnesota Twins for the third most runs with 99. The team's 162 hits also rank third along with the 93 runs batted in marking the fifth most across the league.
James Wood's scorching week helped spark that with five home runs so far this season, including three in as many games. Yet that still ranks second on the Nationals roster to CJ Abrams, who has quietly been the most consistent player to open the 2026 season.
Abrams enters Wednesday hitting .356 with his six home runs, leading the team and ranked tied with five players for the third most in baseball. His 19 RBIs also lead the Nationals and rank second across the MLB, trailing Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Andy Pages by one. Abrams also ranks top five with a 1.121 OPS and .695 slugging and while slotting 12th with a .426 OBP.
He did so after proving to deliver a clutch performance on Tuesday night after getting on base in three of his four at bats, delivering a solo home run, RBI single and a double that set up a scoring opportunity to open the eighth inning.
Abrams delivered to lift the Nationals after a deflating loss, one that he noted the team looked to shrug off with a chance to get back over .500 within reach.
"Even yesterday, we shook it off, showered it off. Came to the park today ready to roll," said Abrams after Tuesday's win.
While he looks to stay hot with the Nationals inching toward .500 entering Wednesday, Abrams also enters game three of the four game series with home runs in consecutive games while he ranks second among all players in batting value.
“There are a lot of positives with CJ’s game right now,” said manager Blake Butera during the series win against the Milwaukee Brewers. “The leadership stands out, the way he rallies the guy around him from all aspects…and he’s not afraid to go out there and make a play.”
First pitch is set for 6:40 PM ET with Jake Irvin set to take the mound against Mason Montgomery.