Shortstops Shine as Trade Deadline Nears | Washington Nationals News

**Corey** (0:00)
It's July 27, this is Washington Nationals News Today, powered by AI Everything happening with your team. I'm Corey with the story. CJ Abrams of the Nationals and Jeremy Peña of the Astros, both had incredible weeks at the plate, earning Player of the Week honors in their respective leagues. Abrams, a shortstop, hit six home runs in just six games, including two in one game. He's been on fire all July, leading the league and hitting with a batting average over 390 Peña also put on a show, hitting home runs in three straight games and finishing the week with a pair of homers. He's been a consistent hitter for the Astros, even after dealing with some injuries earlier in the season.
Both these shortstops are making noise as the trade deadline approaches. Meanwhile, Nico Hoerner of the Cubs snagged a Play of the Week award for his incredible defensive effort. He made a diving stop at second base and then, with a heads up throw to third, helped his team get out of a jam.
It was a display of pure athleticism and smart baseball. Hoerner's play was crucial in a tight game, preventing the opposing team from scoring. It's plays like these that show the impact a player can have beyond just hitting. He's already a two-time goal glover, and this play just adds to his highlight reel.
These performances are a big deal for teams pushing for the postseason. With the trade deadline looming, players stepping up like this can really change the outlook for their clubs. It's exciting to see these guys performing at such a high level when it matters most.