Phils prevent Abreu from producing big hit

NEW YORK -- Two months ago, Bobby Abreu was with the Phillies in Spring Training trying to make the 25-man roster. On Saturday, Abreu came to the plate as a pinch-hitter in the eighth inning with a chance to give the Mets the lead.

Fortunately for the Phillies, reliever Mike Adams was able to get Abreu to ground the ball back to the mound to end the inning. Manager Ryne Sandberg said seeing Abreu, who spent nine years with the Phillies, in that situation was fun and a bit odd given the circumstances.

The Phillies released the 40-year-old veteran on March 27.

"We just knew he's a tough at-bat," Sandberg said after the game. "He's patient. I don't know if that ball gets up the middle, but [Adams] made a nice play there."