Astros' Abreu amid struggles: 'I just need to be myself'

Houston Astros first baseman Jose Abreu is remaining positive despite getting off to the worst offensive start of his career.

"I hold myself to a certain standard, and the standard is very high for myself," Abreu said, according to The Athletic's Chandler Rome. "The pressure is sometimes within the game. I just need to be myself - Jose Abreu."

Abreu posted a .537 OPS with a 48 wRC+ and didn't hit a home run over 108 at-bats in April. The 36-year-old hasn't gone deep since last September when he was a member of the Chicago White Sox, a span of 45 games.

The Astros signed Abreu to a three-year, $58.5-million contract in the offseason, hoping the former AL MVP would help solidify first base. Houston decided not to bring back longtime stalwart Yuli Gurriel after he helped the franchise win two World Series championships in seven seasons.

Astros hitting coach Alex Cintron believes a slight mechanical adjustment to his swing will allow Abreu to start producing at the plate.

"I got to tell you, when he fixes that small mechanic thing with his hands, it's going to be game over, and we're going to be laughing," Cintron said.