Stephen Drew May Not Be Ready For Opening Day

Exactly two weeks from today, we’ll have the results for the Opening Day game pitting the Red Sox against the Yankees. It’s the time of the year when the excitement is beginning to bubble over for Red Sox fans; a new year, a new manager, and a new-look team are all reasons to move forward and forget an atrocious 2012 season. Unfortunately, one of the key components of that new-look team, Stephen Drew, is in danger of missing Opening Day as he’s been dealing with concussion symptoms ever since being hit in the head by a pitch on March 7.

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

Manager John Farrell has spoken about Drew’s problems and has said that, while his symptoms have improved, they aren’t too much better than what they were on the day of the injury. If he doesn’t noticeable improve in the next few days, he won’t be able to take the field on Opening Day. To help get him there, he will be meeting with Dr. Michael Collins, an esteemed doctor at the University of Pittsburgh. Collins also has worked with other major league players who have suffered from concussions like Brandon McCarthy and Brian Roberts.

Although Drew hasn’t had much of a spring so far, he’s only batted .188 (3-16), but I’ve generally liked what I’ve seen from him. He’s hit some balls hard that haven’t fallen and he has looked great at shortstop, with his range making a testament to his recovery from an ankle injury. When healthy, he should be a vital part of the Red Sox’ lineup as he’s a career .265/.328/.433 hitter and prior to two injury-filled years was one of the best shortstops in the game of baseball.

Should the rumors be true and Drew misses Opening Day, it will likely be Jose Iglesias getting the early season starts at shortstop.

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