Mets designate Bobby Abreu for assignment

The New York Mets designated outfielder Bobby Abreu for assignment, the team announced Monday. Outfielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis has been recalled to take his roster spot.

The New York Mets designated outfielder Bobby Abreu for assignment, the team announced Monday. Outfielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis has been recalled to take his roster spot.  

The 40-year-old Abreu got 142 plate appearances this year with New York, and hit .238 with a .336 slugging percentage and one home run. The 18-year veteran made two career All-Star Game appearances, both when he was playing for the Philadelphia Phillies.

More: Inside Brett Gardner's career year

In his major league career, Abreu also played for the Houston Astros, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Angels and Los Angeles Dodgers. He has a .291 career average and 288 home runs. Abreu ranks eighth in career Wins Above Replacement among active players, trailing only Alex Rodriguez, Albert Pujols, Derek Jeter, Adrian Beltre, Carlos Beltran, Miguel Cabrera and Chase Utley. 

Nieuwenhuis is hitting .246 with a .509 slugging percentage in 67 major league plate appearances this year. At AAA, he posted a .265 average, .512 slugging and 11 homers. 

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