"Desperate times call for desperate measures.

With the Angels' offense stalled since the All-Star break (if not most of the season), manager Mike Scioscia re-visited an idea he dismissed in spring training, moving Bobby Abreu into the leadoff spot for Friday's game in Detroit.

It was just Abreu's 30th career start as a leadoff hitter and first since June 2, 2007 with the Yankees.

"It's something we talked about for awhile - just trying to juggle some things and get some other guys going," Scioscia said of the move which created his 90th different lineup in 111 games this season.

"It's been frustrating on the offensive side."

Going into Friday's game, the Angels ranked 19th in the majors in runs scored since the All-Star break (83 in 19 games) and hits (174), 25th in on-base percentage (.307).

But Abreu has been part of the problem before Scioscia turned to him for a solution. His batting average (.256 going into Friday's game), on-base percentage (.348) and slugging percentage (.419) would all be career lows for a full season."