Abreu gets early test in left field

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TEMPE, Ariz. -- Bobby Abreu’s transition from right field to left field this spring won’t be made any easier by the playing conditions in Arizona in general and Tempe Diablo Stadium in particular.

Players often struggle with fly balls and pop-ups in Cactus League play because of what they describe as a high Arizona sky, and the sun for afternoon games in Tempe is directly in the left fielder’s eyes.

Abreu got an early test in the first inning of today’s exhibition opener against the Chicago White Sox, as Carlos Quentin and Jim Thome both lofted fly balls to left.

Abreu, who signed a one-year, $5-million contract with the Angels earlier this month, looked a little unsure of himself at first but shielded the sun with his glove well enough to make both catches.

--Mike DiGiovanna