Padres rookie C.J. Abrams proves his spot on team in victory over Rockies

Rylie Smith

GLENDALE, AZ - MARCH 09: Infielder CJ Abrams #87 of the San Diego Padres fields a ground ball against the Chicago White Sox at Camelback Ranch on March 9, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images)

San Diego Padres rookie C.J. Abrams is quickly proving he deserves to be in San Diego while he fills in for Ha-Seong Kim, who is inconsistently playing with a sprained thumb.

The roster has had some shifts this season with multiple injuries. Kim became the regular starting shortstop while Fernando Tatís Jr. has been out with a wrist fracture. He played extremely well, and now Abrams seems to be following in his footsteps.

Abrams’ initial transition into MLB wasn’t the greatest. In April, the first month of his career, he was hitting .146/.255/.244. This month, he’s hitting significantly better at .350/.333/.550.

He was one of the main contributors to the Padres’ 6-5 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Monday night.

C.J. Abrams was one of the main components in the Padres 6-5 victory Monday

Abrams scored one run and hit three batters in during Monday night’s game. He also fielded extremely well. According to MLB.com, “He went full extension with a dive to his right, then leapt to his feet to deliver an on-target, two-hop throw to first base.”

He gained manager Bob Melvin’s approval with the big three-run hit in the eighth inning.

"“He was comfortable enough to get a breaking ball and see it and put a big swing on it. It was obviously the key hit of the game.” -Bob Melvin, via MLB.com"

Earlier this season, Melvin stated the lineup lacks power. Abrams is proving he’s capable of contributing to what the team lacks.

Abrams is on track to be as good as Kim. Abrams has started 25 games this season at shortstop and has a fielding percentage of .978. Over 90 total chances, he’s produced 30 putouts, 58 assists, seven double plays and just two errors.

In 2021, Kim also started 25 games at shortstop and produced a fielding percentage of .970. Over 132 total chances, he produced 37 putouts, 91 assists, 25 double plays and four errors. If Abrams stays consistent, he could be better at shortstop than Kim.

Rylie Smith

Rylie's first experience with sports was when she was 3 years old, as a tee-ball player and a dancer. Her life quickly began to revolve around sports, and it quickly became not only a passion as an athlete, but a passion as a spectator. During undergrad, she studied sport communications and became a multi-platform intern for NBC Sports Boston. She is most drawn to NHL and MLB, but is interested in all sports.