The Nationals are going to select catcher CJ Stubbs to the roster, reports Andrew Golden of The Washington Post. He will take the active roster spot of fellow backstop Drew Millas, who suffered a finger fracture earlier today. The Nationals already have two vacancies on the 40-man roster, so no corresponding move will be required in that department.
Stubbs, 28, gets the call to the big leagues for the first time. The younger brother of Phillies catcher Garrett Stubbs, CJ spent most of his career in the Astros’ minor league system. He was released in May of 2024 and then landed a minor league deal with the Nationals.
He has been a decent hitter in the minors at times but isn’t having a great season. From 2022 to 2024, he had a combined .202/.323/.404 slash line and 98 wRC+. But this year, between Double-A and Triple-A, he has a .148/.279/.240 line and 57 wRC+. His 11.6% walk rate is good but he’s also been striking out 37.3% of the time. Baseball Prospectus gives him strong grades for his framing on the farm.
The Nationals currently have three catchers on their 40-man roster. Keibert Ruiz has been on the concussion injured list for over a month and doesn’t appear close to a return. That left Millas and Riley Adams as the two active catchers. With Millas getting injured today, Adams was the only healthy backstop on the roster. Stubbs will step in, presumably in a backup role, and will make his major league debut as soon as he gets into a game.
Photo courtesy of Sam Navarro, Imagn Images
Congratulations C.J.
Is he the brother of the Phillies former backup?
He’s the son Franklin never talked about.
Any relationship to drew ?
Indeed, may CJ’s cup of coffee be as long as his brother’s (doubtful I know).
Two CJ’s together on one infield
Blisters from scrolling, 15 day IL for that article! Jk, idk but it’s down. Probably getting a refresh?
That Keibert Ruiz extension really isn’t looking too great for the Nats.
I guess they just write it off as another Rizzo mistake, I suppose
Adams was the DH for the getaway game in The Bronx when Millas got injured. As a result Adams had to replace Millas behind the plate — and the Nats lost the DH for the balance of the game. Millas also committed catcher’s interference before he fractured his finger.
Interesting side note: all 3 players named “Stubbs” to play in MLB all spent time in the Astros organization at some point or another
I think you’re forgetting Drew Stubbs… coincidentally the most successful of the three
I did forget Drew, who did not play for the Astros (but did have multiple stints with the Rangers organization) which completely nullifies my post.
And statistically Franklin would have been the most successful
I would disagree about ol Franklin. Not sure if you like war but Drew has about 6 more than Franklin. Not to mention just more good seasons. comparable hitting and better defense it appears