Minor league career

Abreu progressed slowly, and (except for four games) did not advance out of Single-A until 2001, compiling an ERA of 4.64 in a full season at Double-A Greenville. After that season, he was traded to the San Diego Padres for Rudy Seánez, and then the following spring to the Chicago Cubs for Syketo Anderson, and after 11 appearances, released six weeks later. He was picked up by the Kansas City Royals, and finished the 2002 season at Double-A Wichita with a solid 3.32 ERA. At the end of the season, he was signed by the New York Yankees. He did not play in 2003 due to injury, and was released in January 2004. He was signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers, had a few unimpressive outings, then released, and was then signed by the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he posted an ERA of 5.68 in Triple-A. In 2004, he was released again, played a bit in the Mexican league, and was signed by the Baltimore Orioles in December 2005.

Baltimore Orioles

In 2006, with the Orioles' Triple-A affiliate, the Ottawa Lynx, Abreu had his first good Triple-A season, appearing in 46 games with an ERA of 2.48, and, at age 29 finally was called up to the big leagues. In his seven appearances, he pitched 8 innings, but allowed 10 hits, 6 walks, and 9 runs, for an ERA of 10.13.

Washington Nationals

In 2007, the Washington Nationals signed him to a minor league contract, and he started the spring at Triple-A Columbus in an outstanding fashion, pitching 18 innings and allowing only one run. On May 8, he was called up, and in his first 11 appearances, had allowed runs in only two games, amassing an ERA of 2.31. But then over his next 8 appearances, he allowed runs in seven games, and his ERA ballooned to 6.38; on June 20, he was designated for assignment. Abreu was called back up in September when rosters expanded. Abreu finished the 2007 season with an 0–1 record with a 5.93 ERA in 26 games. He became a free agent after the season.

Chiba Lotte Marines

Before the start of the 2008 season, Abreu signed with the Chiba Lotte Marines of Japan's Pacific League.

Tampa Bay Rays

On February 6, 2009, Abreu signed a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training with the Tampa Bay Rays.^[1] On June 14, 2009, Abreu's contract was purchased from Triple-A Durham to replace the injured Jason Isringhausen. On June 27, Abreu was designated for assignment by the Rays.^[2]

Cleveland Indians

On July 2, 2009, Abreu was claimed off waivers from the Rays by the Cleveland Indians. During his tenure with the Indians, Abreu was given a three-game suspension after hitting Jack Hannahan with a pitch on July 25.^[3][4]

The Indians designated him for assignment on August 1, 2009. On August 5, 2009, though, he was outrighted to Triple-A Columbus.

Back to Tampa Bay

On August 6, 2009, Abreu re-signed with the Rays and was assigned to Triple-A Durham.

Toronto Blue Jays

On December 1, 2010, Abreu signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.^[5] He pitched for Triple-A Las Vegas, where in 53 games, he went 8–5 with a 3.66 ERA, striking out 72 over 66+1⁄3 innings.

Mexican League

He pitched in 2012 with the Diablos Rojos del México of the Mexican League, where in 45 games, he went 4–1 with a 3.83 ERA with 15 saves, striking out 38 over 44+2⁄3 innings. He began 2013 with the Delfines del Carmen, before signing with the Rojos del Águila de Veracruz. In 11 appearances in the league that year, he went 2–0 with a 1.80 ERA with 3 saves, striking out 7 over 10 innings.

Bridgeport Bluefish

On May 7, 2013, Abreu signed with the Bridgeport Bluefish of the Atlantic League.^[6] Abreu re-signed with the Bluefish for the 2014 season.

Joplin Blasters

Abreu signed with the Joplin Blasters for the 2015 season in their inaugural season. The Blasters play in the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball.

Diablos Rojos del México

On June 24, 2016, Abreu signed with the Diablos Rojos del México of the Mexican Baseball League. He was released on September 23, 2016.

Cleburne Railroaders

On April 20, 2017, Abreu signed with the Cleburne Railroaders of the American Association. He was released on October 30, 2017.

Kansas City Royals

On January 15, 2019, Abreu signed a minor league contract with the Kansas City Royals.^[7] He became a free agent following the 2019 season.^[8] He re-signed with the Royals for the 2020 season. Abreu did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.^[9] He became a free agent on November 2, 2020.