Mets Release Bobby Abreu, Recall Kirk Nieuwenhuis

The Mets designated Bobby Abreu for assignment after Monday’s loss to the Giants. Kirk Nieuwenhuis was recalled from Las Vegas to take his place.

The move was not unexpected. Abreu was brought to the team to be a solid bat off the bench but he went just two-for-31 as a pinch hitter.

“It’s not that easy coming off the bench, especially when you’re used to playing every day,” Abreu said according to ESPN New York.

Abreu sat out the 2013 season and attempted a comeback this year. The Mets scooped him up after the Phillies released him at the end of Spring Training.

Although Bobby Abreu was a disappointment on the field, he got kudos for being a positive influence on the young Latino players on the Mets.

“We talked a lot about hitting, approach and everything,” he said. “What I say to them is, ‘Make sure you look for your pitch to hit. Just go up there and be aggressive, but look for a good pitch to hit. And don’t ever be afraid to fail. Just go out there and do your thing. You already know how to do it. You’re here in the big leagues for a reason. You’re not here for nothing.'”

While the 40-year-old Abreu is hoping to continue his career, he said he hopes to be a hitting coach when he finally does call it a day.

“I’d like to see if I can pass all the stuff that I know to these guys,” Abreu said.

Nieuwenhuis hit .246 with two home runs and 11 RBIs in 30 games with the Mets earlier this season. He hit .265 with 11 home runs and 32 RBIs in 57 games in Vegas.