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Abreu having Ruthian run

The home-run trot of Phillies outfielder Bobby Abreu has become a familiar sight. (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)
Dan Gelston Associated Press
The home-run trot of Phillies outfielder Bobby Abreu has become a familiar sight. (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)

PHILADELPHIA – Bobby Abreu has been as steady as sluggers come in his eight seasons with the Phillies. Just put him in right field, watch him hit 20 to 30 homers, knock in 100 runs and steal 30 bases while playing nearly every game.

They sound like the numbers of a perennial All-Star or a beloved fan favorite, especially in a big-market town like Philadelphia.

Abreu is neither, trailing teammates such as Jimmy Rollins and Billy Wagner in popularity and midsummer classics.

Overshadowed by former home run champion Jim Thome and No. 1 draft pick Pat Burrell, Abreu’s production often has been taken for granted. But with nine home runs in his last 10 games, Abreu is finally starting to stand out.

“He knows he can hit and right now he’s swinging the bat real good and getting it done,” Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said.

Just how well is Abreu swinging that bat?

He has hit 11 of his 12 homers in May. He also has an 11-game hitting streak and at least one RBI and one run scored in 10 straight games after Thursday night’s game against St. Louis.

Abreu’s 11 homers in May are the most for the month by a Phillie since Mike Schmidt hit 12 in 1980, and there are still a dozen games left. Abreu also tied a team record with home runs in five straight games, which had been done only twice before in club history.

Since May 1, he’s lifted his average from .261 to .331. All this with Thome on the disabled list because of a strained lower back.

“I’ve never hit so many homers in one month,” Abreu said. “I just feel so good at the plate. It’s something you have to enjoy.”

Abreu homered in five straight games before his streak ended Friday night – but not before he hit a drive off the wall that just missed going out. Had that one reached the seats, Abreu could have set a big league record with homers in nine straight games.

“He’s on an unbelievable stretch,” Phillies pitcher Cory Lidle said. “I want to see it all year long.”

Abreu was acquired from Tampa Bay for Central Valley High School graduate Kevin Stocker before the 1998 season.