Advertisement

Bobby Abreu leaves three runners on base in Dodgers debut

Share

CHICAGO — Bobby Abreu had the opportunity to make a notable first impression with the Dodgers on Friday, but it wasn’t to be.

With the Dodgers trailing by two runs in the seventh inning, Abreu was the hitter with runners at first and third and two outs. But he took a called third strike.

Then in the ninth, again with two outs, he had another chance to get the Dodgers even and hit the ball hard — but directly at the right-fielder.

Before the game, the veteran outfielder said he was prepared for a part-time role with his new club and “just happy to be back” in the game.

Abreu, 38, was disgruntled with being mostly relegated to the Angels bench before he was released. But the Venezuelan said that after talking with Manager Don Mattingly, “I know what my role is here, so it’s going to be no problem.”

The Dodgers made room for Abreu by sending shortstop Justin Sellers to triple-A Albuquerque.

Magic Monday

Magic Johnson, part of the Dodgers’ new ownership group, will host members of Jackie Robinson’s family at Monday’s home game — the first under Guggenheim Baseball leadership.

Johnson is expected to escort Robinson’s widow, Rachel, onto the field before the game, along with Dodgers legend Don Newcombe, who is schedule to throw the ceremonial first pitch.

Belisario is back

Reliever Ronald Belisario, reinstated from baseball’s restricted list after serving a 25-game suspension for a positive cocaine test, said he was “pretty excited … about this opportunity” to pitch again for the Dodgers.

“Everybody learns from their mistakes,” said Belisario, adding that he also learned during his suspension “to keep your mind straight on baseball.”

Short hops

Third baseman Juan Uribe pinch-hit Friday and said his sore left wrist was feeling “much better.” … Dodgers broadcaster Rick Monday, who played for the Cubs, led the Wrigley Field crowd in singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”

james.peltz@latimes.com

Advertisement