Monday, August 18

Welcome to the latest edition of the Nationals Beat newsletter. This is your stop for the latest on and off the field, from news to exclusive player interviews and insights, brought to you by MLB.com club reporter Jessica Camerato.

WASHINGTON -- As CJ Abrams stepped up to the plate at Nationals Park, a trail of neon green followed with his bat. 

Dubbed “The Alien” since childhood, Abrams incorporated the extraterrestrial creature into his Players' Weekend gear. 

“It started as a nickname a long time ago,” Abrams said. “I kind of ran with it.” 

Among his customized Players' Weekend items are three bats, cleats and a belt. They complement the bejeweled alien head necklace he wears every game. 

“That's his nickname, he's got the pendant and it's his brand, so I think it's awesome,” said Paul DeJong. “I love the neon green.”

One of Abrams’ bats is adorned with green alien faces; another has the word “Alien” written all over it. The design elements on his cleats include a UFO and an alien with dreadlocks and a lightsaber in the form of a bat. 

“The bats are really good this year,” said Jacob Young, who sits at the neighboring locker. “The one with all the alien heads on it, I told him not to use it because if he breaks it, I would be very mad. (laughs) 

“... I think he's done a great job of incorporating that with everything. It's fun to see all the stuff he does, and it brings a cool little pop with all the lime green and stuff.”

The 2025 Players' Weekend began Friday and runs through today. It is an opportunity to express interests, hobbies and causes on the field. Following the weekend, select authenticated items will be auctioned for charity. 

“It's fun,” said Abrams. “It adds a little bit to the game. Everybody's kind of showing what they’ve got on the inside.”

Ahead of Players' Weekend, Abrams visited the Nationals' Youth Baseball Academy. He participated in drills, a home run contest and an equipment donation, including shorts and a T-shirt. 

“I know the kids like it,” Abrams said of his nickname. “Alien [means] just be yourself out there, for sure.”

Left-hander Jose A. Ferrer will get the next two days off after delivering two scoreless innings on Saturday to secure the 2-0 shutout against the Phillies. Ferrer, who took over the closer role after Kyle Finnegan was traded to the Tigers, earned his second save of the season. 

“He’s electric every time he comes out there,” said starting right-hander Cade Cavalli, who hurled seven scoreless innings. “He’s got a confidence and swagger about him that’s contagious. It’s just fun watching him go compete.” 

Ferrer has held his opponents scoreless in nine of his last 10 appearances. During that stretch, he is 2-0 with two saves, three holds, a 1.50 ERA, 11 strikeouts and two walks. 

“It’s good to see him with the confidence that you can tell right there that he can close, he can set up against righties, lefties,” said interim manager Miguel Cairo. “When you have someone like that, it’s special.” 

Having pitched 4 1/3 frames since Wednesday, Ferrer will be unavailable today and will have a team off-day on Monday. 

“He’s going to have a beautiful two days off,” said Cairo. “I told him to bring his pajamas, his slippers tomorrow so that he can rest.”

• Today: Filipino Heritage Day; Signature Sunday; Kids Run the Bases

• Tuesday: AARP Night; $5 Tuesday; George Washington University Day

• Wednesday: Pups in the Park

• Thursday: Branch Appreciation Day -- U.S. Navy

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