Stephen Drew To Begin Rehab Assignment In Portland

The most successful left side of the infield the Red Sox have had this season is about to be back together. Starting shortstop Stephen Drew will be starting a rehab assignment tonight with the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs after missing the last three weeks with a hamstring injury. Jose Iglesias has filled in well as the starting shortstop, but he will return to third base where he has spent the majority of his time in the majors this year. Drew is scheduled to return to the Red Sox over the weekend as the Yankees come to Fenway Park.

June 23, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Boston Red Sox shortstop Stephen Drew (7) at bat against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Despite unspectacular numbers with the Red Sox this year, a .233/.313/.409 slash line, Drew has actually been an above average shortstop both offensively and defensively. He has shown his greatest value with the glove this year, as he has a well above average 6.0 Ultimate Zone Rating and a .989 fielding percentage.

Some will view Drew as a bust, given his $9 million contract for this year. However, he has been solid after a slow start and excellent defensively. He has provided the Red Sox with plenty of value from the shortstop position. With Drew returning to the full-time shortstop job, the Red Sox will likely option one of Brock Holt (.300/.343/.300) or Brandon Snyder (.250/.280/.458), both of whom have been solid fill-ins. It will be good to have Drew back, and hopefully his rehab will go off without a hitch.