The Dodgers traded for Bobby Abreu chiefly to upgrade their corps of lefty-hitting reserves, but now Abreu is going to take on a larger role for the leaders of the NL West.
Outfielder Juan Rivera has been placed on the disabled list with a hamstring injury, and that means Abreu will be seeing some time in the field. The Los Angeles Times quotes manager Don Mattingly as saying Rivera's injury is "fairly major." Given the the tendency for hamstring strains to linger, it's quite possible that Rivera will require more than the minimum 15 days.
Abreu has been raking since being signed by the Dodgers earlier this month, but he's obviously not a suitable defender these days. Additionally, there's concern that the 38-year-old Abreu might not be able to withstand playing the field on a regular basis.
In part, that's why Scott Van Slyke (son of Andy) has replaced Rivera on the roster. The right-handed-hitting 25-year-old isn't a top prospect by any means, but he has crushed the ball over the last year-plus and can get by at the corner positions. So Van Slyke and Abreu will share time in Rivera's absence, with Abreu likely serving as the dominant half of a platoon.
Speaking of Rivera's absence, it can't be regarded as a critical blow on offense, as Rivera in 2012 is hitting just .247/.276/.358. Defensively, however, Rivera grades out as a plus in left, both this season and throughout his career. Pair Abreu with the defensively challenged Andre Ethier in right, and the fly-ball-inclined Dodger pitching staff could suffer a bit.
