"The last time Bobby Abreu failed to play 150 games in the major leagues, he was a rookie with the Houston Astros. He still went by "Bob."

If he does it this year, he'll pass Willie Mays to become the first player to play 150 games in 14 consecutive seasons.

But after struggling in 2010 to hit left-handed pitchers, it seemed a real possibility he could be aging into a platoon role.

In a small, early sample this year, Abreu has reversed that trend. After studying tape during the offseason and working to restore his swing against lefties, Abreu is batting .400, with a .500 on-base percentage, against left-handed pitchers.

It's been only 18 plate appearances, far too soon to draw any conclusions — and less convincing, perhaps, than his .296 on-base percentage and .343 slugging percentage in 206 plate appearances against southpaws last year. But Abreu and Angels manager Mike Scioscia like what Abreu has done so far.

"You see my career, I always hit lefties," he said.

But in 2010, he said, "I was opening up too quick with my hips. I was getting too much in front, and I was pulling the ball too much. My game is going the other way.""