The Washington Nationals tied up their series in Tampa against the Rays on Saturday night in close fashion. After relatively falling flat on Friday night, they evened things up in a big way, sneaking out a 4-3 win to set up a chance at yet another series victory on Sunday.
Sunday, now today, also happens to be Father's Day, and one of the best stories of the weekend so far comes from CJ Abrams and his father, Chris, who might have unlocked a bit of a power stroke for the shortstop. As Abrams continues to trend toward an All-Star starting spot along with James Wood, his father might be to thank.
CJ Abrams continues to mash at Tropicana Field
For his career, CJ Abrams has appeared in just 5 games at Tropicana Field heading into Sunday's finale. In those 5 games, Abrams is 5/15 with 3 homers, including hitting homers in each of the team's first 2 games of this current series. Needless to say, the shortstop feels comfortable in Tampa, but he might have another reason for his comfort during this series.
The Nationals are hosting a Dads Trip during this weekend series in Tampa, giving the fathers of each player a chance to travel with the club and spend extra time with their kids. It is a tradition that is new to the Nationals, but one similar to the Mentors' Trip that the Capitals take every season on a roadtrip.
Some dads and their sons spend their off-field time during the trip just hanging out and catching up, but CJ Abrams and his dad have other things on their minds. On Thursday night before the opening game of the series, CJ and Chris spent time catching up on an old practice habit, with Chris pitching socks to CJ, who practiced hitting with a foam bat in the hotel room. Just check out the video below from Alexa Datt, who had the scoop on the Abrams' quality time together.
It’s the @Nationals Dad’s trip.
— Alexa Datt (@AlexaDatt) June 20, 2026
CJ Abrams & his dad, Chris, are having a blast. Appeared on TV together & then dad pitched son socks with a foam bat in the hotel room the night before CJ hit back-to-back HRs in the series.
Did it help?
“It might have,” CJ said.🥹⚾️⭐️ pic.twitter.com/wsBZih53GE
It is a practice in which they have spent a ton of time doing in their past, and you have to think it's something that helps to comfort them both and remind them of the travel ball days. Obviously, it has helped CJ on the field, as his 2 homers in the series have been big momentum shifters for the Nationals' offense. Hopefully, CJ can finish the series against the Rays on a high note today, and give Chris a Father's Day present he will cherish forever.
What do you think of CJ Abrams and his Dad getting in some extra reps in the hotel room? As always, please let me know on X, @DCBerk.
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