Bobby Abreu embraces different role, sees no reason to alter approach

With Dee Gordon on the disabled list, Dodgers Manager Don Mattingly has had to be creative with the leadoff spot, and Tuesday that meant penciling in 38-year-old Bobby Abreu at the top of the order for the fifth time this season.

Abreu rejected the notion that his game needs to be reinvented now that his power numbers are at career lows (two home runs and 16 RBIs in 159 at-bats heading into Tuesday’s game).

“I feel fine,” said Abreu, whose contract expires at the end of the season. “It’s not the same as when I was 25 or 26, but I can still do my thing and cause damage once in a while.

“I never change my approach. I’m just trying to work the count, get on base and start rallies. I’ve got good guys behind me that can knock home some runs, so I just need to get on base.”

He entered the game one for 11 out of the leadoff spot, with two walks, a stolen base and one run.

Abreu received an IV for fluids before the game because he was “feeling down,” according to Mattingly, but remained in the lineup.

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