Cabrera is happy to be back in city where career was revived
When he was cut loose by the Texas Rangers midway through the 2019 season, infielder Asdrubal Cabrera wondered if his playing career was nearing its end. He still had the same thought even after the Washington Nationals picked him up a few days later.
“I told my family, ‘This is probably going to be my last three months,’” Cabrera said. “I’m just going to have fun and see what happens.”
What happened next explains why the Nationals were planning a video tribute for Cabrera prior to Thursday’s series opener against the Diamondbacks, his new team, and why Cabrera is still gainfully employed — and producing — at the major league level.
Cabrera hit .323 the rest of that season, becoming an integral part of the Nationals’ run to a World Series title. His hot finish compelled him to keep playing.
“I’m never going to forget that year,” Cabrera said. “Before I signed with Washington, I was thinking I would go home. But the way I finished that year, with really good numbers, it helped me to keep my head up and say that I’ve got more in me.”
The Diamondbacks have no reason to dispute that. Two weeks into the season, he is hitting .273/.405/.545 with three doubles and two home runs. His production and versatility have played a crucial part in keeping the lineup afloat despite early injuries to shortstop Nick Ahmed and first baseman Christian Walker and the struggles of infielder Josh Rojas.
Cabrera re-signed with the Nationals for 2020, and he said he would have liked to have come back for another year. The interest was not reciprocated.
“I was waiting for it; I won’t lie,” he said. “But they never called.
“It feels really good to be back in Washington. I left a lot of good memories here, winning the World Series. I have some really good friends over there. It’s always good when you come back home.”
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said he is planning to limit how many games Cabrera plays this season in hopes of keeping him fresh, an approach Cabrera, 35, said he understands.
However, he said he has told Lovullo he can play as often as needed, and he seems to relish the opportunity to remain productive despite getting up there in age.
“I love to show the people this year that no matter how old you are,” Cabrera said, “if you’re still healthy, then you can do your stuff on the field.”
Short hops
Lovullo said right-hander Joakim Soria could throw a bullpen session on Saturday for the first time since going on the injured list earlier this month with a left calf strain.
*Catcher Carson Kelly was batting in the second spot on Thursday evening, the first time in his career he has ever hit higher than fifth. Lovullo said the change in batting order fits in with his desire to be more aggressive with his lineup this season. “I just want to have the ability to allow our hitters who are going to impact the game from an offensive standpoint to have as many chances as possible,” Lovullo said.