The former Phillies outfielder was used mostly as a designated hitter last year, but manager Mike Scioscia said Kendrys Morales will be the team's DH this year.
Abreu's demand apparently was news to the Angels, who tried to trade him and his $9 million contract in the offseason.
"It's not something Bobby approached me about," general manager Jerry Dipoto told ESPN LosAngeles. "It's not something he's driven through Mike Scioscia. At this point, it's a conversation between Bobby and a third party."
Last season Abreu batted .253 with eight home runs, 21 stolen bases and 60 RBI. He said he will report to camp this weekend.
Noteworthy *
Yu Darvish arrived at the Texas Rangers' spring-training complex in Surprise, Ariz., and had his first bullpen session. Rangers manager Ron Washington said Darvish threw about 35 pitches. The Rangers committed more than $107 million to acquire Japan's top pitcher. The 25-year-old Darvish got a 6-year contract guaranteeing him $56 million, and Texas had to pay a record $51,703,411 posting bid to his former team, the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters.
* Reliever Juan Carlos Oviedo remains in the Dominican Republic, his travel restricted after he played under a fake name (Leo Nunez) for seven major league seasons, and the Miami Marlins are uncertain whether he'll join them for any part of spring training. Oviedo is working with the U.S. and Dominican governments to obtain a visa, Marlins president of baseball operations Larry Beinfest said. The team's other pitchers reported for camp yesterday. Oviedo has a 1-year, $6 million contract with the Marlins, who might trade him if his immigration status is cleared up. They signed Heath Bell to replace Oviedo as their closer.
