Injuries to All-Star shortstop C.J. Abrams and newly acquired Paul DeJong have opened an opportunity for Nasim Nunez.
Injuries to All-Star shortstop C.J. Abrams and newly acquired Paul DeJong have opened an opportunity for shortstop Nasim Nunez. So far, he has made the most of his chance
Opportunities arise for many different reasons in baseball: injuries, slumps, long seasons, and so many more. The Washington Nationals have dealt with injuries so far this season, especially on the left side of the infield.
Star shortstop C.J. Abrams and off-season acquisition Paul DeJong have recently been placed on the 10-day IL, opening up roster spots for Washington.
The question is: Who will fill the void?
This week, C.J. Abrams was placed on the 10-day IL due to a right hip flexor strain. The corresponding move was to bring up former Rule-5 pick and second-year shortstop Nasim Nunez.
MEET NASIM NUNEZ:
Nasim Nunez attended Collins Hill High School in Suwanee, Georgia, where he would go on to be drafted No. 46 overall in the 2019 MLB Draft by the Miami Marlins. Earlier, Nunez had committed to play baseball at Clemson University, but chose to forgo his commitment to play professional baseball.
Nunez would work his way through the minors, offering great speed and great defense, but a less productive bat.
NEW BEGINNINGS:
At the end of 2023, Miami opted not to keep hold of Nunez, thus, the shortstop would be selected by the Washington Nationals in the Rule 5 draft. The new Washington National would make the Opening Day roster out of spring training, playing sparingly in 2024.
Playing 51 games in 2024, Nunez would end the season batting .246/.370/.262 slash line with only one extra-base hit. As disappointing as the bat was, Nunez showed his ability to get on base, accumulating twelve walks and only fifteen strikeouts.
Nunez would start the 2025 season in Rochester with Washington’s Triple-A affiliate and was not performing great, slashing .192/.323/.192 through his first ten games. But after a scary hit-by-pitch to Paul DeJong against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Nunez has earned another opportunity with the big league squad.
PRESENT DAY:
Even with a small sample size, Nunez is earning the respect of the fans. The second-year shortstop is slashing .333/.385/.417 with two RBIs resulting in a Washington win earlier this week.
Nasim Nunez might not be the flashiest player or even a long-term option on the big league roster, but he provides speed, great walk ability, and solid defense. With questionable infield depth, Nunez has the opportunity to earn a spot on the big league roster with good production, and he is off to a fantastic start.