In today's Mets news update, the New York Mets may have helped Bobby Abreu find the fountain of youth - as the veteran has found himself expanding is role from pinch-hitter and spot outfielder to regular starter.
According to Tim Healey of MLB.com, "Abreu has played his way into a much larger role, especially this week with fellow corner outfielder Curtis Granderson nursing a tight left calf. He found himself batting cleanup in the Mets' lineup Saturday afternoon against the Padres, Abreu's fourth straight start and second consecutive appearance in the four-hole. It's the first time he's started four games in a row since May 2012."
Manager Terry Collins doesn't really have any other option but to start Abreu, especially with his .328/.403/.508 line against righties. As Collins indicated on Friday, Abreu's play has basically forced Collins' hand - ensuring Abreu a regular starting spot for the time being.
"One of the things you see from Bobby -- and I'll go back to when they brought the lefty in to face him -- what did he do?" Collins said, via Healey's article on Saturday. "He worked to the middle of the field. We've talked about it and talked about it and talked about it. He worked the middle of the field, he hit a ground ball through a drawn-in infield that turns out to be a big hit."
"That's the thing I hope our young players watch."
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