Drew Experiencing Mild Concussion Symptoms

The Red Sox haven’t been hit too hard by injuries this spring, but as if making up for lost time, there have been a few lately. News came out a few days ago that Craig Breslow is unlikely to make the Opening Day roster after feeling shoulder soreness. More problems arose yesterday when Stephen Drew was scratched from last night’s lineup because of mild concussion-like symptoms. This concussion was likely induced on Thursday afternoon’s game against the Twins when Drew was hit on the head by a pitch from Caleb Thielbar.

Mar 7, 2013; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox shortstop Stephen Drew (7) connects for an RBI single in the first inning during a spring training game against the Minnesota Twins at Hammond Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Apparently, Drew felt no symptoms early in the day and only felt “woozy” upon arriving at the ballpark. Of course, the Red Sox have to follow basic major league procedure according to concussions. Drew will meet in the coming days with Dr. Gary Green, who will evaluate him to see if he’s ready to play. As I’ve stated, it is a mild concussion and shouldn’t hold Drew out for too long. John Farrell had some more words about the matter of scratching Drew from the lineup.

"At the time, he was like, ‘Imagine if this hit me in the nose.’ Fortunately it glanced off the helmet, and in the way he reacted, you’d almost think he didn’t see the pitch completely,” Farrell said. “There wasn’t a whole lot of diving out of the way. It wasn’t a direct blow. At the time, he felt fine throughout the game. But it was last night when he started to read a book, the print started to get a little fuzzy on him and that’s where — obviously it was precautionary, and, by rule, he’s being held out."

If the Red Sox are to be a playoff team in 2013, Stephen Drew will need to be a big part of the team both at the plate and in the field. So far this spring, the results haven’t been great as Drew is batting just .188/.278/.250 in 16 at bats, but from the games I’ve watched, he’s hit the ball hard plenty. He only has one strikeout and has shown great range at shortstop, both good signs. Hopefully this concussion is just a minor bump in the road and will only keep Drew out for a few days.