'I'm CJ, little Chris': Let Abrams explain why

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What’s in a name?

Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams may only go by two letters, but there is plenty to know about the abbreviated first name.

Abrams was born Paul Christopher Abrams Jr. on Oct. 3, 2000, named after his father, Paul Christopher Abrams.

“He goes by Chris,” Abrams said of his father on Tuesday, the day after making his Nationals debut. “And I’m CJ, little Chris.”

Abrams has gone by CJ for as long as he can remember. In fact, there are very few instances in which he is called by his birth name.

“The only time I’ve heard ‘Paul’ was at the doctor or dentist,” he said.

Inside the Nationals’ clubhouse, Abrams sits next to reliever Carl Edwards Jr., who coincidentally goes by “C.J.” But Abrams is not expecting any name confusion; he has already navigated this situation.

“My best friend’s name is CJ as well,” Abrams said. “So I’m kind of used to it.”

What does set him apart from those with whom he shares a name is the spelling -- it’s ‘CJ’ without any periods between the letters.