Bobby Abreu is starting in right field for the Mets in Thursday's series-finale against the Cardinals. Curtis Granderson will take a seat. It's the first major league start for Abreu since July 25, 2012.

Mets recalled OF Bobby Abreu from Triple-A Las Vegas. Abreu, 40, hasn't been in the big leagues since 2012, but he has been performing well for Las Vegas to start the season. Over 45 plate appearances, Abreu slashed .395/.489/.579 with more walks than strikeouts, seven to five. The Mets optioned OF Andrew Brown to Las Vegas to make room for Abreu on the roster.

The Mets are expected to recall Bobby Abreu from Triple-A Las Vegas on Monday. The 40-year-old outfielder has been ripping the cover off the ball in the minor leagues, hitting .395 with a homer and nine RBI in his first 15 games. It's unclear how he'll be used, but he remains an intriguing option for NL-only leagues.

Mets signed OF Bobby Abreu to a minor league contract. Abreu was cut loose by the Phillies this spring even though he hit .244/.404/.366, as they were concerned he wouldn't be able to play defense. He'll report to Triple-A Las Vegas and could be an option for the Mets' bench at some point, but the 40-year-old isn't going to see much playing time if promoted.

According to CBS Sports' Jon Heyman, the Mets are considering signing free agent Bobby Abreu. It would be a minor league contract and Abreu would likely head to Triple-A Las Vegas to start the season. The 40-year-old hit well this spring in the Grapefruit League, but the Phillies cut ties with him at the end of camp because of his struggles on defense. He's no longer a reliable corner outfielder.

Phillies released OF Bobby Abreu. Abreu hit pretty well this spring in the Grapefruit League, but he's no longer a competent outfielder at age 40 and the Phillies didn't want to limit their bench versatility. Abreu will likely try to land with an American League team. He hasn't appeared in a major league game since the 2012 season.

Bobby Abreu did not make the Phillies' Opening Day roster. That announcement was made on Wednesday in camp. Abreu hit well this spring, but the 40-year-old outfielder looked stiff on defense and the Phillies can't afford to carry too many one-dimensional bench players. He is far better suited for an American League roster.

Bobby Abreu has agreed to move his opt-out date to Sunday. Abreu's opt-out date was originally Wednesday, but he has missed the last two days and with shoulder soreness and the Phillies want to get a longer look at him. The 40-year-old is hitting .257 (9-for-35) with nine walks and an .822 OPS in 15 games this spring.

Bobby Abreu was held out of batting practice on Monday due to soreness in his left (non-throwing) shoulder. Abreu hasn't seen much action in the outfield over the past week and the Phillies have to make a decision soon about whether they want him on their Opening Day roster. The 40-year-old outfielder batted just .242/.350/.342 in 2012 for the Angels and Dodgers and did not play any sort of affiliated ball in 2013.

Phillies signed OF Bobby Abreu to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. CBS Sports' Jon Heyman reports that Abreu will receive a salary of $800,000 if he makes the Phillies. Entering his age-40 season, Abreu probably would have been better off in the American League, but the Phillies will give him a chance to win a job as a left-handed bench bat. He previously played with Philadelphia from 1997-2006.