Dodgers designate OF Bobby Abreu

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LOS ANGELES -- The Los Angeles Dodgers designated veteran Bobby Abreu for assignment Wednesday to make room on their roster for newly acquired outfielder Shane Victorino.

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It was the second time in just more than three months that Abreu had been cast off by a Southern California team. The Los Angeles Angels released Abreu on April 28 when they promoted 20-year old Mike Trout, who has blossomed into the leading hitter in the American League. The Angels are still paying the majority of Abreu's $9 million salary.

Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said the team is hoping to hold on to Abreu, but to do that he would have to accept an assignment to Triple-A Albuquerque until major league rosters can expand Sept. 1. The Dodgers could also trade or release him in the next 10 days.

"It was a tough one today, honestly," Mattingly said. "Bobby kind of came at a time when we had some guys hurt, did a great job for us. He's another guy in the clubhouse who's been good with the young players, talking to them about hitting. To me, he's an intelligent guy who understands the game and everything that's going on with it. He's just good for guys."

Abreu, 38, was batting .251 with two home runs, 17 RBIs and a .359 on-base percentage in 70 games. With the Dodgers outfield now set with Victorino, Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier, Abreu wasn't going to get opportunities in double switches or spot starts, Mattingly said, leaving his only possible role as a pinch hitter.

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Mark Saxon

ESPNLosAngeles.com

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Mark Saxon is a staff writer for ESPNLosAngeles.com. He spent six years at the Orange County Register, and began his career at the Oakland Tribune, where he started an 11-year journey covering Major League Baseball. He has also covered colleges, including USC football and UCLA basketball.